Cayuga County Participatory Budgeting

1. Process Design: We are partnering with a consultant and community leaders to create the rules and engagement plan.
2. Brainstorm Ideas: Through meetings and online tools, residents will share and discuss ideas for projects.
3. Develop Proposals: Groups of volunteers will develop the ideas into feasible proposals.
4. Vote: Volunteers vote on the proposals that most serve the community’s needs.
5. Fund Winning Project: The Community Foundation will fund the winning idea(s) with a pool of $75,000 in grant dollars.

Cayuga COUNTY – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Session 4 – Cayuga County Chooses: Voting & Winner Announcement Event

October 1, 2026

• In-Person | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Schweinfurth Art Center (205 Genesee St, Auburn NY 13021)
• LINK TO REGISTER

Agenda:
5-6pm: Voting Hours
6-7pm – Celebration Night (food, fun, and connection)
7pm – Winner Announced

Join us for:

• Complimentary refreshments
• A showcase of all proposal presentations
• Voting at the Schweinfurth Art Center, with online voting also available from 9 AM–7 PM
• A special performance by the Big Steppas Dance Team
• Free access to the Schweinfurth Art Center during the event
• Special giveaways from the Arts Center
• The live announcement of the $75,000 winning proposal at the end of the evening!

THE POLLS ARE OPEN and the Central New York Community Foundation is inviting Cayuga County residents to help decide how $75,000 will be invested in their communities through the final voting phase of its participatory budgeting initiative, part of the Community Foundation’s centennial celebration

VOTING DAY INFORMATION

• Online voting is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in-person from 5-7:00 p.m.at the Schweinfurth Art Center of Auburn, located at 205 Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021
• Voters must be a Cayuga County resident aged 14 years or older.

The nonprofit organizations’ projects that will be presented are:

Cayuga Counseling Services

Cayuga Counseling Services, in partnership with The Hideout Gaming Center, proposes expanding an existing space into a drop-in youth center offering recreation, workshops, job and college preparation, mentoring and other activities shaped by young people. The center would feature an esports program where youth can build teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an audio and visual media room for podcasting, streaming, video production and content creation. A Youth Advisory Board would give young people a direct role in shaping the center’s activities and environment, while trained community mentors would provide additional guidance and support.

Booker T. Washington Center:

Booker T. Washington Community Center proposes creating a countywide Teen Resource Program that would give young people a consistent place to turn for help navigating health, housing, financial, educational, career and other needs. A dedicated Teen Resource Navigator would work individually with teens to identify their needs, connect them with appropriate services, arrange transportation and follow up to help ensure they receive support. Services would be available in several settings throughout the community, and a Teen Advisory Council would help identify barriers, shape activities and recommend improvements to the program.

 Confidential Help for Alcohol & Drugs (CHAD):

Confidential Help for Alcohol and Drugs, Inc. proposes expanding access to substance use disorder counseling and youth support within Cayuga County schools. A school-based counselor would meet with students in their own school environments, helping reduce barriers such as transportation, scheduling, stigma and limited access to specialized services. Youth would receive individualized counseling while building skills related to decision-making, coping, communication, problem-solving and self-advocacy. The counselor would also connect students and families with school and community resources that can address related challenges involving behavioral health, housing, food, transportation, education, employment and peer relationships.

If you need transportation to and from the sessions please contact Sue Van Epps, suevanepps@yahoo.com or call 315-253-0996.