During the recent Tompkins County Legislature meeting, a significant focus was placed on the county's ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the upcoming initiatives for 2025. Legislators highlighted the pressing need for continued attention to this issue, which dominated discussions in 2024 and is expected to persist into the new year.

The chair of the legislature emphasized that while the state of the county remains "excellent," there are numerous areas requiring urgent action. A key initiative discussed was the allocation of $50,000 for a study on the potential benefits and challenges of establishing a county-wide living wage, set to commence in 2025. This study aims to explore the implications of such a wage on the community.

Additionally, the reorganization of the Office of Human Rights is on the agenda for 2025, with plans for input from various stakeholders, including legislators and community members. The chair noted that the county would likely need to restart the code blue cold weather shelter process, aiming to partner with a nonprofit agency to alleviate some of the operational burdens.

In a lighter note, the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District announced its first tree sale in a decade, inviting residents to order seedlings by March 25. This initiative reflects the county's commitment to environmental conservation alongside its social welfare efforts.

As the legislature prepares for the challenges ahead, the focus remains on collaboration and community engagement to foster positive change in Tompkins County.