About the Plan
The City of Cortland received a Smart Growth Community Planning Grant from the NYS Department of State to complete an update to the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan will provide a roadmap for the future of the City and facilitate the day-to-day decisions of local officials and residents. The Project Team, which includes City staff, NYS Department of State staff, and the project consultant, Environmental Design & Research (EDR), will lead the planning process.
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Steering Committee
A steering committee comprised of individuals representing a variety of community interests (e.g., housing, planning, public transportation, environmental resources, arts and culture, underserved populations, seniors, minorities, education, business, tourism, and economic development) will work closely with the Project Team to inform the public outreach strategy, discuss preliminary findings, and review draft deliverables.
Steering Committee Members
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Brendan McGovern
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Judd Seales
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Keith VanGorder
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Steven Broyles
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Chris Merkley
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Kristen Parker
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Karen Knauerhase
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Alexandra Mikowski
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Anna Maria Omilanowicz
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Robert Edwards
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Michelle Enright
The steering committee is scheduled to meet regularly throughout the project. See below for summaries of past meetings.
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January 22, 2025 Meeting Summary
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March 12, 2025 Meeting Summary
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May 7, 2025 Meeting Summary ​​​
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Community Engagement
Join us at a community engagement event!
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The development of the Comprehensive Plan will rely on public input to guide priorities and recommendations.
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Two public meetings will be held throughout the planning process to capture feedback from residents and stakeholders.
The first public meeting was held on June 24th. Click here to view feedback collected during the meeting.
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What is Smart Growth?
Smart Growth is a forward-thinking approach to planning and development that supports and integrates four key themes: Equity, Economy, Environment and Energy/Climate. The Comprehensive Plan will be developed around Smart Growth Principles which aim to create livable, sustainable, and equitable neighborhoods.
​The Smart Growth Principles are as follows:
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Develop plans and land use regulations that allow for and encourage mixed-use neighborhoods.
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Enable a diverse mix of housing types, providing opportunity and choice for all.
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Prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
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Provide well-planned, equitable, and accessible public spaces.
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Encourage compact neighborhood design and concentrated development around existing infrastructure.
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Preserve open space, agricultural resources, and natural resources.
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Prioritize transportation options such as walking, cycling, and public transportation.
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Promote climate resiliency and adaptation, preferably through nature-based solutions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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The webpage was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund.