The West End Waterfront District Association of Ithaca is a core group of business people and individuals who believe Ithaca's waterfront district hasn't yet begun to reach its full potential as a destination location for visitors or as a solid community resource for residents.

The following vision statement was drafted in January, 2008. 

Vision for Ithaca’s Waterfront District:

Revitalize Ithaca’s waterfront district, and establish its presence as an iconic, vibrant, and sustainable community with a revitalized Inlet Island, with year-round facilities and attractions, at its center.

Mission:
The mission of the West End Waterfront District Association of Ithaca is to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, accessible, and sustainable waterfront community.

Goals:

·       To revitalize Ithaca’s waterfront district, while establishing its presence as an iconic, vibrant, and sustainable community with year-round attraction.

·       To improve the existing infrastructure, foster future development, and create an identifiable waterfront district with emphasis on lakeside living, collaborative commerce, year-round recreation, and exciting entertainment.

·       To increase and improve communication between business and political entities within the proposed geographical boundaries of this waterfront district.

·       To transform Inlet Island into a vital and accessible destination location rich with diverse shopping, dining and entertainment options, complete with seasonal festivals and tourist attractions.

·       To develop a multi-modal transportation system that connects the
waterfront district to surrounding neighborhoods and municipalities.
This system should include the development of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
and other city and regional trails, sidewalks and bikeways.  

·       Improve transit linkages such as enhanced bus service, special summer waterfront routes and shuttle bus routes, and in the long-term, consideration of new technologies such as personal rapid transit to serve the waterfront area.

·       To generate political representation as a defined district.

·       To work cooperatively with relevant agencies and associations to improve the overall vitality of Ithaca and its surrounding municipalities.

·       To continue to attract local, national, and international interest through strategic marketing and development.