The Economy
The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan aims to create an economy where prosperity is accessible to all. To achieve this, the County supports economic development that provides high-quality employment opportunities, promotes local businesses, and encourages innovation. The County also seeks to enhance community vitality and ensure equitable distribution of economic benefits. For more details, please refer to the Economy Chapter(PDF, 5MB) of the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan.
Tompkins County contracts with Ithaca Area Economic Development to provide economic development services to the County.
Tourism
Tompkins County Tourism Program
When visitors stay in hotels or bed and breakfasts in Tompkins County, they pay a hotel room occupancy tax. These funds are collected by County government from lodging operators and are re-invested in a variety of tourism initiatives that promote economic development and enhance local quality of life. All investments are aligned with the Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Plan.
Recommendations for grant funding are made by the Strategic Tourism Planning Board, an advisory board to the Tompkins County Legislature.
Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED)
Ithaca Area Economic Development
Tompkins County contracts with IAED to provide economic development services for the County. IAED is both a non-profit economic development organization and New York State’s first and only Accredited Economic Development Organization, one of just 70 across North America.
Additional Resources
Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency
Led by a seven-member board appointed by the County Legislature and managed by IAED, the IDA may abate local and State taxes for manufacturing and industrial projects that create jobs and strengthen the local tax base. The IDA also provides incentives to mixed use, multi story projects in the City of Ithaca’s downtown. The Tompkins County Development Corporation provides access to the tax-exempt bond market for the not for profit sector.
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's staff helps businesses locate in the area and assists existing businesses to grow and expand. The Chamber works primarily with smaller service and retail businesses.