About

Over the course of thirty-six (36) months, Cayuga County, and its key partners, will prepare a Countywide Strategic Plan that establishes the objectives that the County wants to achieve, and guides sustainable growth within the community, enhances local identity, and protects natural and cultural resources. The Plan will aim to offer progressive direction and actionable strategies to advance the vision and goals for the County and its 33 municipalities. Cayuga County, with guidance from a local advisory committee and the public, will undergo a thorough inventory and analysis of existing conditions. These findings will inform the strategic plan, developing a vision, goals, and strategies that clearly articulate the realization of the community’s vision. The County plans to engage early with all 33 municipalities and numerous local, regional, and statewide stakeholders to establish a vision and gain insight on community perspectives. In addition to the final plan, an annex will be developed for each municipality. These annexes will contain maps and data collected throughout the planning process, visualized to their respective borders and context. The relevant goals and strategies will also be tailored to them with comprehensive, location-specific guidance.

What is a County-wide Strategic Plan?

A countywide strategic plan is a high-level, long-range planning document that sets a shared vision and coordinated goals for growth, development, infrastructure, and resource management across all municipalities within a county. Unlike a town or village comprehensive plan, which mainly focuses on land use, zoning, and development policies within a single municipality, a countywide strategic plan looks at broader issues that cross local boundaries, such as development patterns, housing needs, farmland preservation, environmental protection, economic development, and transportation networks. It serves as a guiding framework to align local planning efforts, support intermunicipal collaboration, and prioritize strategic investments. While it doesn’t override local zoning authority, it can guide municipalities in making informed decisions with consideration to countywide data, trends, and goals. Ultimately, it’s a tool to help the entire county grow in a coordinated, sustainable, and efficient way.

Why is Cayuga County developing a Strategic Plan?

This is a significant and timely project for Cayuga County and its municipalities. A coordinated planning effort of this scale has not been undertaken since the County adopted its original master plan in 1969 - over five decades ago. In that time, the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our communities have evolved dramatically. With newly anticipated population growth, increased demand for housing, and the need to attract and retain jobs, a new strategic plan is essential. It will provide a modern, data-driven framework to guide decision-making, support intermunicipal collaboration, and help ensure that growth is managed in a way that protects our natural resources, strengthens our economy, and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

What are the top priorities of the plan?

The top priorities of the Cayuga Countywide Strategic Plan focus on guiding future growth in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and collaborative. Key goals include:

protecting farmland and natural resources,
addressing a range of housing needs,
improving infrastructure and transportation systems,
supporting economic development, and
enhancing the county’s ability to adapt to climate change and extreme weather.

The plan will be structured in three parts: (1) a detailed community profile that outlines current conditions and resources; (2) an analysis of where different types of growth and preservation make the most sense; and (3) a vision for the future based on public input, with clear goals and implementation strategies. Together, these priorities will help align local efforts, guide strategic investments, and ensure that all communities in Cayuga County can thrive.

Testimonials

Smart Growth Principles

"Smart Growth" is a set of common-sense planning principles that help communities grow in ways that are thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable. These principles focus on making the most of what we already have - like revitalizing main streets, supporting a mix of housing options, and protecting farmland and natural areas. Smart Growth encourages development that’s walkable, connected, and centered around existing infrastructure, helping to save taxpayer money and preserve the character of our towns and villages. It also supports safe transportation choices, access to parks and public spaces, and a strong local economy. These are the principles that will guide the development of this plan.

By following these principles, Cayuga County can plan for a future that benefits everyone!

#1 - Develop Plans And Land Use Regulations That Allow For And Encourage Mixed-Use Neighborhoods

Clients

Project Partners

Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development

Kari Terwilliger, AICP, Director

Evan Tuthill, Senior Planner

Emily Antonacci, Planner

Cayuga County Strategic Planning Committee

Robert Shea, Cayuga County Legislature

Brian Schenck, Cayuga County Sheriff

Daniel Welch, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County

Darlene Podolak, Unity House of Cayuga County

Darrin Rooker, Cayuga County Planning Board

Doug Dello Stritto, Cayuga County Parks & Trails

Gwen Webber-McLeod, Auburn Industrial Development Authority

Jacob Hamilton, Cayuga County Office of Tourism

Jason Cuddeback, Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District

Karl Rindfleisch, Cayuga County Water & Sewer Authority

Kathleen Cuddy, Cayuga County Health Department

Kelly King, Cayuga County Department of Employment & Training

Kevin Swab, Cayuga County Veterans' Service Agency

Melody Smith Johnson, Auburn-Cayuga NAACP

Michael Miller, Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency

Stephanie Hutchinson, Auburn Housing Authority