ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy, the New York State Council of Churches, and Reinvent Albany will hold a press conference today, October 24, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca to discuss a new report titled Policy Crossroads: Reconsidering IDA Housing Tax Breaks in New York.
The report examines how Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) have expanded their role to include housing subsidies—an activity that extends beyond their original mission to promote industrial and commercial job creation. Findings raise constitutional, fiscal, and equity concerns, showing that these subsidies often divert property tax revenue from schools and essential services while delivering limited affordable housing or permanent jobs.
Faith leaders, policy experts, and advocates will speak on the need to ensure that public funds serve the public good, not private interests.
Who: State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell’s Brooks School, Reinvent Albany, and the New York State Council of Churches
When: Friday, October 24, 2025 – 11 a.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY
