Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in business jobs with high priority
2026 Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Goals and Priorities
If a budget-cut administrative coordinator position in Workforce Development isn't restored, member Chris Sponn says he'll have to leave this committee, the CoRE group, and give up a JEDI chair role — a concrete example of how staffing reductions quietly erode the county's inclusion work.
Youth Employment Programs Funding
New York State is sending roughly $355,000 to Tompkins County for a year-round youth employment program for at-risk youth ages 14 to 20, filling the gap after the summer program ends. Sponn argues jobs keep young people off social services, out of emergency rooms, and out of jail — a cost saver for the county.
Workforce Development Capacity and Unspent Training Funds
CEDO Leon Holden warned his $4,000 professional development budget limits attendance at the Facing Race conference to seven people and blocks bringing a $10,000 'Factuality' training to the county. Members discussed whether travel and training budgets should be increased.
Micron project and regional workforce
The huge Micron chip plant near Syracuse could bring 9,000 permanent jobs and roughly 40,000 construction jobs regionally. Tompkins County is a founding member of the workforce consortium, but funding for the local Tompkins Build pre-apprenticeship program runs out this summer, raising questions about whether local workers can fill those jobs.