Ithaca · Local digest

Tompkins County's Section 8 housing voucher program is facing a severe crisis as federal funding cuts have created wait times exceeding five years. Tompkins Community Action closed its waitlist in September 2025 after the number of applicants more than doubled from 766 in 2017 to over 1,500 by 2026, while the organization has lost 95 vouchers in two years. The Ithaca Housing Authority's waitlist has also reached approximately 1,500 applicants with a three to four-year wait, and both agencies report they cannot issue new vouchers due to insufficient federal funding from HUD. A 2024 study found that 41% of Ithaca's renters are severely cost-burdened, spending over 50% of income on housing, as county officials warn the program may not survive without federal intervention. The crisis is nationwide, with housing authorities across the country freezing voucher programs due to HUD's shift away from "housing first" solutions and continued funding constraints expected through 2027.

TCAT is hosting public outreach sessions this month to gather community feedback on improving local public transportation services. The transit agency will discuss the bus network at three sessions (Aug. 19, 22, and 29), with representatives from eRide Ithaca—a pilot program launched in June offering affordable curb-to-curb rides via electric vans and cars to residents of West Hill, West End, and Ithaca Flats—attending two of the three sessions. No RSVP required; attendees can call (607) 277-9388 ext. 1560 or email tcat@tcatmail.com for details.

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is receiving $6.5 million in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program to construct a new 23,443-square-foot snow removal equipment facility. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congressman Josh Riley, announced the funding, which will support Phase Four of the project including the building's foundation, structural elements, and HVAC systems. The facility is designed to improve the airport's winter operations and runway clearing capabilities. The funding was secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, and complements $1.5 million in emergency services facilities funding the senators secured in fiscal year 2024.