Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo delivered his State of the City address on Tuesday, declaring Ithaca’s status as “strong” while detailing significant achievements and ambitious plans in housing, sustainability, transportation, and economic development for the year ahead.
Mayor Cantelmo highlighted progress made in addressing Ithaca’s housing crisis, citing measures such as streamlining zoning permits, regulating short-term rentals, and securing $250,000 from the Hochul administration for a comprehensive zoning rewrite. The updated land-use policies aim to increase housing supply, curb rising property taxes, and ensure equitable access to affordable housing.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the city’s agenda, with Cantelmo praising the implementation of the Justice50 policy, which integrates climate justice into workforce development and city budgeting. Investments in micro-mobility, including $100,000 for Ithaca Bikeshare, were also emphasized as part of the city’s commitment to carbon reduction and accessible transportation.
Economic revitalization was another key focus, with the mayor spotlighting Ithaca’s competitive application for the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. Cantelmo stressed the importance of a municipal economic strategy to guide targeted investments and ensure inclusive growth.
Addressing homelessness, Cantelmo commended county efforts to establish a low-barrier shelter and announced the formation of an Advisory Committee on Encampments. The committee will review the city’s encampment policies and propose improvements.
The mayor also raised concerns about FEMA’s updated flood maps, which could require thousands of homeowners to obtain costly flood insurance. Ithaca has secured $1 million for a flood mitigation plan and is actively advocating for revisions to FEMA’s models.
Mayor Cantelmo concluded his address by calling for improved public communication infrastructure, urging investments in staffing city departments and enhancing transparency.
“We have an ambitious agenda before us, but I am confident that our city is ready to rise to the occasion,” Cantelmo said. “When we come together as a community, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”
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