As part of Tompkins County’s first ever Strategic Operations Plan process, three community forums are planned to provide residents with updates on the process and an opportunity to share feedback. The Plan will ultimately outline clear goals and objectives while setting a direction for the County organization’s future. The Plan, while subject to adoption by the elected County Legislature, is slated to be finalized in 2024 following an in-depth community engagement, input, and analysis process.
Each community forum will be similar, it is recommended that interested community members choose only one to attend to allow for the broadest possible input from across the County. Plan to arrive at the time listed when the forum will begin. Each forum will be facilitated by planning consultants from BerryDunn and will provide an overview of data on the community and input received during the planning process so far, a small group discussion in breakout sessions, and an opportunity for community members to share their visions for the County and community.
Community Forum 1
Tuesday, September 12, 2:30-4:00p.m.
Human Services Annex, (Enter on N. Albany Street across from Salvation Army)
214 West Martin Luther King Jr/ State St. Ithaca, New York 14850
Community Forum 2
Wednesday, September 13, 6:00-8:00p.m.
Enfield Community Center
162 Enfield Main Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Community Forum 3
Thursday, September 14, 9:00-11:00a.m.
Southworth Library
24 W Main St, Dryden, NY 13053
Individuals requiring accommodations or language translation services should contact bnugent@tompkins-co.org in advance of the event.
In addition to the planned forums Tompkins County is inviting all members of the community to provide online input. A website has been published to collect ideas and survey responses from interested community members. Ideas are being sought in the areas of: sustainability and natural resources, economic opportunity and workforce development, community well-being and social services, transportation and mobility, and public safety. The community survey asks for the community’s perception of the County and its services, including what it does well and what improvements could be made.
The Tompkins County Legislature is encouraging everyone the community to take part in the planning process;
Legislator Travis Brooks, who represents the City of Ithaca stated, “These types of in-depth plans don’t come around very often, so sharing your perspective and ideas now will have an impact for many years. The County needs to hear from people who are impacted by our services and policies, that’s the only way we can improve.” Brooks added, “I’m proud that we’re giving so many opportunities for community input because it gives us a chance to consider other perspectives and hear directly from the people that we serve.”
Legislator Michael Lane from Dryden stated, “The County provides a lot more services than many people realize. These forums will give an overview of what the County does while asking the community how we can do better. I hope that residents in every municipality will participate, and I’m glad that we’re able to host a forum at the Southworth Library in Dryden.”
Legislator Randy Brown who represents Newfield and parts of Enfield remarked, “I hear from residents all the time on how we can make the community better and provide better services. While there are many ways, including contacting your elected officials, to make your voice heard, forums like these are great ways to get those ideas on paper so they can be considered.” Brown added, “We have very passionate residents in all corners of Tompkins County so I hope people will make the time to come out and share feedback in this process.”
Chairwoman of the Tompkins County Legislature Shawna Black added, “I’m really proud of how engaged our community has been so far throughout this process. We’ve received hundreds of ideas and survey responses, many of which are really insightful. I’m already starting to see where we can roll up our sleeves and work on our operations, and I’m eager to hear more from these upcoming forums. Thank you to everyone who participates in this process.”