December 2025 Newsletter

Ithaca and Tompkins County Economic News – DECEMBER 2025

| NEWS

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re thankful for our partners whose collaboration, optimism, and shared commitment helped strengthen momentum and support continued growth across Tompkins County.

We’re excited to look ahead and to welcome our new President, Kurt Foreman, as we begin an important new chapter together.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

TCIDA Recognized at Cornell Town-Gown Celebration

The Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) – supported in part by the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA), which IAED administers – was recognized as one of two outstanding community–university partnerships at the Cornell Town-Gown Awards ceremony at Cinemapolis on December 6^th. The Tompkins County Community Child Care Growth Initiative received the other award.

Since 2019, the CHDF has supported creation of more than 1,030 affordable housing units and stimulated nearly $8.5 million in private investment to expand housing options for low- and moderate-income families. The CHDF is a collaboration between Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and Cornell University. All three were recognized along with these contributing partners: the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Service, and Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties.

Kellea Bauda, Director of Business Services, Administrative Director of the TCIDA and TCDC, accepts the recognition alongside Rich John, Tompkins County Legislator and Chair of the TCIDA/TCDC.

Tompkins Build Graduates Fall Cohort

On December 12^th, IAED graduated the fall cohort of the Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship program. All 15 participants completed the 11-week training program and earned 5 industry-recognized certifications. The graduates are now applying to registered apprenticeships with the construction trade unions of their choice; one has already been accepted into the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3, and his apprenticeship starts early next year.

Learn more about Tompkins Build >>

Spring 2026 Program Dates: February 23^rd – May 7^th
Application Deadline: January 22^nd

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Southern Tier Field Rep, Mason Carrican, presented a Tompkins Build graduate with an official acceptance letter at the graduation event.

IAED Serves on Panel Discussion at Housing & Infrastructure Summit

On November 18^th, the Southern Tier 8 Regional Planning Board hosted the Southern Tier Developers Summit: Workforce, Housing, and Infrastructure summit in Binghamton. Hundreds were on hand to learn about emerging opportunities, capital stacking, impact development, and more. IAED joined representatives from SouthWorks and USC Builds on a panel discussing how strategic collaboration and public-private partnerships can turn concept into reality.

IAED Joins Senator Schumer for Menlo Micro Tour

IAED was invited to Menlo Micro’s Ithaca facility on November 21^st to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer and see the impressive growth of their Ideal Switch technology. The tour highlighted local advancements in AI, quantum computing, and national security, and was followed by a virtual call with CEO, Russ Garcia. Senator Schumer praised Menlo Micro for their impact in New York and is poised to deliver federal incentives to expand production to support budding contracts with industry leaders.

Governor Hochul Announces $300 Million POWER UP Program

Read the press release >>

Governor Hochul Announces Another $50 Million in County Infrastructure Money

Read the press release >>

CONNECT WITH US

Ithaca Area Economic Development | 607.273.0005 |

info@IthacaAreaED.org | www.IthacaAreaED.org

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