ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — A countywide minimum wage is being explored. 

Tompkins County will hold a public conversation next week, where thoughts can be expressed about the potential impact of establishing a countywide minimum wage. It’s part of a study, which the county approved in 2024.

“This study is fundamentally about listening,” Legislative Chair Shawna Black said. “We look forward to hearing directly from workers, businesses, service providers, and residents so that any future policy decisions are informed by real experiences, data, and community needs,” Black added.

In 2025, the Tompkins County Legislature agreed to spend up to $50,000 on the study, which is being led by the Cornell ILR Ithaca Co-Lab through Dec. 2026.

“This first event marks the start of a series of community conversations designed to gather input from stakeholders across the county as policymakers consider the potential impacts of establishing a countywide minimum wage above the New York State minimum, which is currently $16 per hour,” the county said.

The Tompkins County Workers’ Center introduced a new living wage last year of $24.82 an hour, which was a big increase from the previous dollar amount set in 2023.

The public conversation be held in the Whole Health building on Brown Rd. on Tuesday, March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. To register, click here.