Investing in Our Future: Public Priorities from the Cayuga Cash Challenge
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Public Meeting #3 of the Cayuga Countywide Strategic Plan! Your insights continue to shape a vision rooted in the values, strengths, and aspirations of communities across the County.
Across the public meetings in Locke, Auburn, and Ira, residents shared feedback on the six key themes and priorities identified through the Community Profile and earlier rounds of public input. Many emphasized how these priorities are interconnected, noting that the County’s long‑term success depends on advancing them together rather than in isolation.
Through one of the interactive stations, the Cayuga Cash Challenge, participants used play money to indicate where they would prioritize County investments. Participants identified investing in a stable and growing economy, protecting natural resources, and reliable infrastructure as their top priorities. Housing and affordability, community well‑being, and leadership and coordination were also recognized as essential to a healthy, thriving County, though they received comparatively fewer “cash” investments.
The combined allocations across the three meetings were:
Economy — $60
Environment — $50 (tied)
Infrastructure — $50 (tied)
Leadership & Coordination — $36
Community Well‑Being — $25
Housing & Affordability — $21
Residents also provided feedback on the draft vision statement, calling for clearer, more authentic language that reflects Cayuga County’s diverse communities and rural character. Common themes included responsibility and resilience, agricultural diversity, clean water, support for local businesses, and meaningful public participation.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their perspectives! Your feedback will help inform revisions to the County’s vision statement, key themes & priorities, and recommendations. Together, we’re working toward a future that reflects the strengths and aspirations of communities across Cayuga County!
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