The Tompkins County Government Operations Committee convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, primarily focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and proposed updates to the county charter.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming allyship training scheduled for June 23, facilitated by Rise to Equity Excellence. This training aims to enhance staff understanding of workplace inclusivity and bias through interactive scenarios. The sessions will be capped at 40 participants each and are open to all staff and legislature members. Notably, additional sessions will be tailored for blue-collar workers to ensure equitable access to professional development opportunities.

The committee also reviewed proposed updates to the county charter, including changes to the number of legislators and the timing of elections. Discussions highlighted the importance of transitioning to an odd number of legislators to facilitate redistricting, although some members expressed concerns about the implications of this change. The committee plans to finalize these charter updates by July, with a comprehensive review scheduled for 2027.

In addition to these topics, the county administrator provided updates on various operational matters, including the closure of the Department of Social Services search and the progress of the county's shelter program. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of outgoing staff and discussions about future meeting schedules, particularly in light of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and ensuring effective governance through charter updates. The next steps involve finalizing training logistics and preparing for the upcoming charter resolutions.