The Downtown Ithaca Alliance assists businesses and investors interested in downtown Ithaca projects.

Because the Downtown Ithaca Alliance is charged with preserving and developing the central downtown core as the region’s center for banking and finance, business and professional offices, government and community services, downtown residences, specialty shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance is always available to help. While the Downtown Ithaca Alliance does not write business or developer plans, DIA staff can help you create them, will critique them, will help you understand and navigate through City codes, and can help with financial packaging.

The DIA can help in the following ways:

  • Available retail space listing
  • Available office space listing
  • Properties for sale
  • Maintaining and updating the ten year strategic plan
  • Working with developers and investors to find & craft projects
  • Business recruitment & attraction
  • Helping existing businesses expand and grow
  • Providing market data
  • Providing start-up business assistance
  • Retail needs assessment

To view a powerpoint presentation created by former Associate Director Vicki Taylor, please click the following link: 10 Things You Can Do to Market Your Business for Free

The DIA offers its services at no charge and all inquiries are handled with strict confidentiality. You are encouraged to call or e-mail Gary Ferguson, Executive Director at: gary@downtownithaca.com or call (607) 277-8679

Downtown Development Opportunities

The Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program (CIITAP) is a property tax abatement program that allows property owners to apply for abatement for a portion of their property taxes for a period of up to 7 years. The link to the City of Ithaca’s Tax Abatement Form can be found here: City of Ithaca Tax Abatement

Click Here for City of Ithaca Legislation
Executive Director Gary Ferguson encourages those interested in developing properties in downtown Ithaca to contact him for a one-on-one meeting to see if the Downtown Ithaca Alliance can assist you. Gary Ferguson can be reached by emailing him at gary@downtownithaca.com or by calling the Downtown Ithaca Alliance office at 607-277-8679.