Comprehensive Contract

Thoma Development Consultants’ senior consultant, Bernie Thoma, began his community development career working for the City of Cortland in 1978. Within a short time, he became the office Director. When the opportunity arose for Bernie to start his own consulting business in 1980, the City of Cortland became Thoma’s first customer. This relationship has continued to this day.

When we “wear our hat” as the City of Cortland’s Office of Community Development, by contract we perform numerous activities on behalf of the City. For example, one of our responsibilities is to monitor all community development loans which are primarily loans made to City businesses looking to startup, relocate, or expand and are willing to hire a majority of low to moderate income employees. We also review new loan applications, make recommendations to the City’s loan committee, assist in loan closings, and monitor the disbursement of all loan funds.

Thoma is responsible for the City’s Beautification Program which includes tree planting and sidewalk replacement. We write all of the City’s Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program applications, in addition to numerous applications to other funding sources for various City departments. Thoma has administered most of the City’s major grant awards, including maintaining ledgers and performing bookkeeping and disbursement responsibilities, and all other grant activities and documentation.

Thoma assists the City in the budget process for miscellaneous revenues and program income which are monies generated by grant programs and retained by the City for eligible community development activities. We work closely with the Mayor and City administration in planning and developing housing, economic, and infrastructure projects to be included in subsequent grant funding rounds.