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Residents and legislators urge continued funding for Community Justice Center
Summary
Multiple public commenters and several legislators urged Tompkins County to continue funding the Community Justice Center (CJC), arguing the initiative remains early in implementation and offers critical services including healing sessions and culturally responsive training. Supporters warned that cutting funding would undermine trust built across the county.
Public commenters pressed the Tompkins County Legislature to maintain funding for the Community Justice Center, stressing the program's short lifespan and continuing need.
"It takes time, more than 3 years, to address the injustices that have occurred," said Shelly Michelle Nunn, a longtime county resident, urging the legislature not to defund the CJC. Several others echoed that the center — now operating less than three years — has produced hubs, healing sessions and anti-bias training that remain important countywide.
Legislators responded in kind. Ann Korman said she would "put my vote towards continuing the investment in this program" and Dan Klein noted the work will continue through the Public Safety Committee and during the budget process. Travis (legislator) and Rich John pressed for greater engagement by the sheriff's office and for continued community representation in program decisions.
Supporters repeatedly cited Executive Order 203 and the county's reimagining-public-safety effort as rationale for continued funding. Several speakers said that removing support now would risk losing relationships and momentum built with affected communities and cross-jurisdiction partners. The legislature did not take a final funding vote on CJC at the meeting; committee review and budget decisions were described as imminent.
