Council of Governments - July 23, 2026

The Tompkins County Council of Governments meeting held on July 23, 2026, primarily focused on an update and discussion regarding the Tompkins County Wayfinding Project. Representatives from Whidham Planning and Design presented the project's progress, including the inventory of existing signage, design considerations, and the implementation phase. The project budget was discussed, revealing that approximately $150,000 has been spent so far on design and planning, with a total project cost estimated at over $1 million. Funding sources include a $500,000 grant from Assembly Member Anacellis's office, a $330,000 grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program, and contributions from local entities such as the city of Ithaca and Cornell University. The installation costs for signage remain uncertain due to variable requirements from the New York State Department of Transportation. The meeting also touched on emergency services planning, with discussions about coverage challenges and the potential for confidential executive sessions to address sensitive information. No formal resolutions or contract awards were reported during this session.