Highlights of the 2/3/26 Tompkins County Legislature meeting
Published on February 11, 2026
Department of Planning and Sustainability presented the 2024 Housing Snapshot
Housing and Community Development Planner Shawna Stevenson and Housing and Community Development Director David West presented the 2024 Housing Snapshot, an update tracking housing trends and progress toward targets set in the county’s 2017 Housing Strategy. Using Census, labor, and local development data, the snapshot shows that while new housing has been built, the overall need, particularly for affordable and supportive housing, has grown faster than supply.
Key findings included:
- Population stability with changing household size: While the county’s population has remained relatively flat at about 102,000, the number of households has increased, signaling growing demand for smaller one- and two-bedroom units.
- Affordability pressures on renters: Housing cost burden continues to rise for renters, with rents increasing faster than incomes. Homeownership remains out of reach for many due to high prices and the need for significant cash savings.
- Uneven progress toward housing targets: Student housing targets have largely been met, and permanent supportive housing exceeded initial goals (though more recent analysis shows additional unmet need), but workforce rental housing, affordable homeownership, senior housing, and low-barrier shelter capacity remain well below identified needs.
- Equity considerations: Data show clear disparities in homeownership by race, with renters, particularly renters of color, experiencing higher cost burdens.
The presentation marked the end of the 2017–2025 strategy period and set the stage for developing a new 10-year housing strategy focused on policy changes, investment, and better alignment between housing types and household needs.
Legislator Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town) asked how the SouthWorks redevelopment fits into future housing needs, particularly for smaller units. Staff explained that the first phase will include several hundred affordable rental units, with later phases potentially adding a mix of rentals, condos, and ownership opportunities as the project develops over time.
Legislator Ostlund (D-Ulysses, Enfield) questioned whether newly built market-rate rental units are being filled. Staff noted that vacancy rates have risen modestly toward healthier market levels, meaning new buildings now take longer to lease up than in past years. While some newer buildings have leased up more slowly than anticipated, this reflects a market beginning to rebalance rather than a lack of demand.
The department emphasized that the County’s primary role has been to “set the table” for housing development—supporting municipalities, securing funding, convening partners, and using data like the Housing Snapshot to guide smarter policies and investments moving forward. The next housing strategy, part of 2026's work plan, will include an analysis of what additional role the county and other players may be able to take on as the housing market evolves.
Update on SNAP work requirement changes
Deputy County Administrator Bridgette Nugent, joined by Commissioner of Social Services Brittanie Earle, briefed the Legislature on significant federal and state changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that will affect eligibility, local program administration, and costs beginning later this year.
The update focused on expanded federal work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), increased county financial responsibility, and the operational impacts for the Department of Social Services (DSS).
- Expanded work requirements: Under the federal funding bill (HR1), work requirements for ABAWDs now apply to individuals 18 through 64, up from the previous age limit of 54, a broader group of SNAP recipients, including able-bodied adults without disabilities up to age 64, and households with children aged 14–17 without a younger child in the home.
- Loss of prior exemptions: Longstanding exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care are being eliminated.
- What “work” means: To maintain SNAP benefits after a three-month grace period, ABAWDs must engage in qualifying work or activities for up to 80 hours per month, which can include paid employment, work or training programs, job search or job readiness activities, or participation in approved volunteer or community service programs.
- Local impact: As of December 2025, Tompkins County has 6,953 individuals in 4,447 households receiving SNAP benefits. Approximately 3,500 households include at least one member subject to ABAWD requirements. Of those, about 1,700 individuals belong to the newly expanded population and must either meet an exemption or comply with work requirements.
- Timing: Under HR1, SNAP recipients identified as ABAWD are limited to three months of benefits in a 3-year period if they do not meet work requirements. The first countable month is March 2026, with the first potential impact on benefits (termination or reduction) expected in June 2026.
- Staffing and administration: DSS anticipates the need for at least one additional Social Welfare Examiner once current vacancies are filled, due to increased monitoring, documentation, and client assistance.
- Rising county costs: Beginning in October, the county share of SNAP administrative costs will rise from 50% to 75%. In addition, New York State’s elevated SNAP payment error rate could trigger penalties that may be passed down to counties, though the mechanism for doing so remains unclear.
Commissioner Earle emphasized that DSS is actively working with clients to determine exemptions, assisting with documentation, and partnering with community agencies to create pathways, such as volunteer opportunities and job readiness programs, to help recipients comply and retain benefits.
Legislator Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield) asked how the re-certification and exemption process will work in practice. Commissioner Earle explained that requirements are assessed during each household’s regular SNAP recertification cycle. DSS staff will review whether individuals qualify for an exemption or need to meet work requirements and will guide them through the process on a case-by-case basis.
County administration noted that they will continue to monitor state and federal guidance closely and keep the legislature informed as implementation details, fiscal impacts, and potential penalties become clearer.
Other business
A resolution authorizing a Public Hearing on proposed Local Law No. a of 2026 – amending the authorized exemption from taxes for certain older residents was approved unanimously and set the date for the public hearing on February 17, 2026 at 5:30 pm at the Legislature Chambers.
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