The City of Ithaca has taken a bold step in its commitment to climate justice, with the Common Council approving the 2025 budget that exceeds the ambitious goals of the Justice50 framework. The budget allocates 50.2% of capital project funding to communities disproportionately affected by the social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change.
In a 9-2 vote, the council backed the $1.8 million budget, a centerpiece of the Ithaca Green New Deal, which aims to address systemic issues such as poverty, housing insecurity, and racial injustice through climate-conscious investments. This allocation surpasses the Justice50 threshold, which requires at least half of the city’s capital budget to benefit historically underserved populations.
“Throughout the budget process, staff worked collaboratively and intentionally to ensure that project proposals were not only aligned with the Justice50 mission but also with the priorities set by Common Council and by the residents in our community,” said City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff, who drafted the budget.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo applauded the effort, noting that the initiative reflects the city’s broader goals of addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and societal inequities. “The City remains committed to combatting both the causes and the impacts of climate change by working at the nexus of chronic societal problems like poverty, housing, racial injustice, and economic disruption,” Cantelmo said.
Notably, the budget earmarks $850,001 to support homeless populations, providing resources to navigate state, county, and local assistance systems. Additional funds will be used to enhance green workforce development, with a target of 40% representation from underserved communities.
The Justice50 framework also commits 10% of the city’s total capital project budget to a participatory budgeting process, which is expected to take shape in early 2025. City Manager Mohlenhoff plans to convene a working group to design this initiative, ensuring residents have a direct say in the allocation of funds.
With this budget, Ithaca continues to position itself as a leader in climate justice, setting a national standard for equity-driven municipal governance.
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