Cornell-Ithaca MOU and Student Population Increase

Cornell-Ithaca MOU and Student Population Increase From: Diane Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:33:38

To add a little more context to the ongoing discussion on Cornell's contribution to the city budget in lieu of taxes, I want to raise the issue of population growth. To me, as a 30-plus year city resident, this is a notable fact that does not seem to come up much, if at all, in discussions. 

I put together some facts and here is the scope of the increase as I read it: 

• The Cornell student enrollment for Fall 2022 is 25,376 undergrad, grad and professional students on the Ithaca campus. 
• Twenty years ago, in 2003, this figure totaled approximately 19,620 students. 

There has been a 29% increase with a gain of 5,756 students. Some 12,000 live off-campus in the Ithaca area.  University Factbook - Student Enrollment 

Over the past 20 years the size of the Cornell faculty has remained relatively flat, while there have modest gains in staff jobs. Notably the number of people employed in university community, service and legal occupations has slightly decreased. University Factbook - Employees

Meanwhile, the US Census estimated that the Ithaca city population was 32,870 for 2022 (or 32,108 in the 2020 US Census). In 2003 it was approximately 29,859 – an increase of 3,011, representing a 10 percent increase. 

Therefore, In terms of population growth alone, Cornell has not kept pace in their contributions while continuing to rely upon and use city services, producing notable wear and tear. In the meantime, the number of those property owners contributing to city taxes has experienced only a modest gain. 

Diane -  Ithaca Road