1. What is CACDA?
2. Why do we need another organization?
3. How is CACDA administered?
4. Who is on the Board of Directors?
5. Can CACDA make laws?
6. Are there any similar organizations in this area?
7. In what way does CACDA relate to the Village and Town of Cazenovia and other municipalities?
8. How can CACDA help with local issues?
9. What is the benefit for other existing organizations?
10. Have local organizations contributed funds to CACDA?
11. How can I help?

1. What is CACDA? 

Cazenovia Area Community Development Association, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit community based  organization representing a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the greater Cazenovia area. CACDA was formed to provide full-time assistance for local organizations, governments and residents by helping  them accomplish goals and objectives through:

2. Why do we need another organization? 

CACDA serves as a facilitator by bringing together existing organizations and working with them to build  consensus.  CACDA provides a unique forum to accomplish community goals & objectives, such as those outlined  in the Cazenovia Area Planning Program (CAPP), a rural regional planning initiative.

3. How is CACDA administered? 

A Board of Directors oversees the general operations of the organization.  Board members also supervise the  Executive Director, who is hired to implement the day to day activities.

4. Who is on the Board of Directors? 

The board is comprised of 15 members.  Eight standing members are appointed as  representatives of the Town,  Village, Chamber, College, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, Cazenovia Lake Association (or Lake Foundation),  Trush Park Association and the Agricultural/Equine community.    Seven additional at-large representatives from the community are selected by the board.  Each member serves a  three year term.  Terms are staggered to ensure continuance of policy and programs.

5. Can CACDA make laws? 

No.  CACDA has no governmental authority.  CACDA provides a non-political clearinghouse for discussion.  It  serves as a resource for fact finding and dissemination of information.

6. Are there any similar organizations in this area? 

Yes, the Partnership for Community Development, Ltd. (PCD) In the Hamilton area.  (For more information -  www.partnersatwork.org)

7. In what way does CACDA relate to the Village and Town of Cazenovia and other local municipalities?   

The Village and Town each have permanent seats on the Board of Directors.  The Town of Nelson also has an at-large representative.  CACDA is a resource for all of the municipalities, and can assist with diverse community initiatives by providing continuity of focus and effort.  We work with municipal government to determine priority projects, then help locate funding sources. In addition, we provide technical assistance for project implementation. 

8. How can CACDA help with local issues? 

CACDA can facilitate meetings with concerned parties, and help them: set priorities; establish goals &  objectives; identify hurdles & solutions; and find funding sources.

9. What is the benefit for other existing organizations? 

CACDA provides full-time professional leadership for interested local entities to help secure project funding  through grants & joint efforts.

10. Have local organizations contributed funds to CACDA?   

Yes, several local organizations, businesses and individuals have contributed funding to support CACDA"s  administrative costs.

11. How can I help? 

Individuals can support CACDA"s programs through volunteer efforts and through contributions. 

To volunteer, click on the Volunteer Now! button.

To contribute online, click on the Invest Now! button.