Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/779667
Your Voice: Advocacy for You, for the Community Government & Community Affairs Committee Throughout 2016, this committee explored issues and hosted speak- ers on topics relevant to our members and community. Topics we explored and/or took action on include: minimum wage, FLSA rules, dredging, US Chamber priorities, energy policy, housing, town-gown relations, workforce preparation, transportation infrastructure, carbon fee & dividend, and diversity & Inclusion. Housing Development Advocacy & Housing Summit The Chamber supported the development of a new housing to ease local market pressures and meet the needs of our current and future resident population. We participated in the planning and execution of the first Tompkins County Housing Summit: A Place for ALL of Us, and look forward to increased community collaboration to formulate the next Housing Strategy for Tompkins County and resolve this pressing issue over the next several years. Economic & Community Development Projects The Chamber & CVB were proud to provide support in the form of letters or advocacy at meetings to numerous projects as they sought funding from New York State, support from their local community, or planning/zoning related approvals to move their projects forward. New Parks & Trail Developments 2016 saw the grand opening of the Taughannock Overlook Visitors Center and the Black Diamond Trail, assets which the CVB team con- tinues to leverage and promote. We also supported rail trail expansion in Dryden, and are excited that Tompkins County continues to build and expand multi-use trails with several projects in the pipeline for 2017. All Things Equal All Things Equal radio show was the recipient of the prestigious Serving New York Award from the New York State Broadcasters Association in October. All Things Equal is produced by the Cayuga Radio Group and Cornell University and features conversations on diversity, inclusion and shared community interests. Chamber lead- ership and sponsorship has been essential to the show's long-term success. 3