08-13-2026 IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)

The City of Ithaca's Urban Renewal Agency Neighborhood Investment Committee met on August 13, 2026, to review and certify community-based development organizations (CBDOs) for eligibility, discuss grant program statuses, and address delays in fund utilization. The committee approved the certification of Fingerlakes Reuse as a CBDO after reviewing board composition and compliance documentation. A detailed grant summary highlighted delays in projects such as homeowner rehabilitation and the Shared Kitchen Ithaca initiative, with explanations citing pandemic-related contractor shortages and challenges for new grantees in meeting federal reporting requirements. The committee discussed reprogramming approximately $25,000 in unspent funds to other projects, with a preference for competitive allocation through the action plan process. Additionally, the committee noted ongoing monitoring of potential changes to CDBG and HOME funding regulations and acknowledged upcoming leadership retirements within the agency. No new contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but the discussion emphasized grant management, compliance, and funding reallocation processes.