Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)

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MISSION STATEMENT

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency secures and manages resources to improve the social, physical, and economic characteristics of the City of Ithaca by expanding access to quality affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods and the local economy, and supporting other community development activities. (Click on the following link for a summary of the IURA's current action plan: 2012 Action Plan.)

The Community Development Office is staff to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) and works closely with the City Economic Development Office to assist businesses and promote economic prosperity in the city. The Community Development Office administers an assortment of grant programs and low-interest loan programs.  Besides housing and public infrastructure projects, the IURA participates in the City's economic development program by making funds available for a variety of eligible business enterprises. The IURA also provides funding and technical advice for entrepreneurial training programs.

The IURA was established by state legislation in 1965 as an urban renewal agency.  The IURA has a corporate identity separate from the City and is independently funded, but works in close conjunction with the City to revitalize urban neighborhoods and strengthen the local economy.  The IURA is composed of the Mayor and four members appointed by the Mayor with the concurring approval of the Common Council.  The Director of Planning and Development for the City of Ithaca serves as the Executive Director of the Agency.

Through a variety of means, including site acquisition and disposition, the IURA works to implement the Urban Renewal Plan that seeks to stabilize neighborhoods and enhance the vitality of the downtown and community.  The IURA applies for and receives various grants to address community development needs.  On an annual basis, the IURA manages the City’s HUD Entitlement Grant award of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to undertake activities in the areas of housing, community facilities, public services, and economic development that benefit Ithaca’s low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and households, or eliminate blighting conditions.  In addition, the Agency administers various economic development loan programs, the Cherry Street industrial park, and leases to facilitate private/public real estate projects.  

• JoAnn Cornish, Executive Director, IURA

• Nels Bohn, Director of Community Development, IURA

• Sue Kittel, Deputy Director of Community Development, IURA