Ithaca officials have approved an updated policy aimed at managing homeless encampments on city-owned land, following a year of feedback, data analysis, and collaboration with community partners.
The Common Council voted on May 7 to adopt both the revised Pilot Administrative Policy to Manage Homeless Encampments and a final report compiled by an Advisory Committee that has overseen the city’s encampment response efforts.
The updated policy maintains a designated city-owned parcel where camping is temporarily allowed and supports additional improvements to living conditions in the area. A review of 2024’s initial implementation revealed lessons from managing 20 encampment sites throughout the city.
“This updated policy and the recommendations adopted in the report are based on feedback from people with lived experience, updated data from our homeless response system, and best practices from across the U.S.,” said Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio, who chaired the Advisory Committee. “The City will begin implementation and continue to use the policy to address encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in our community.”
The report and policy updates reflect input from local service providers, people with direct experience of homelessness, and various community stakeholders. Alderperson Patrick Kuehl, a member of the Advisory Committee, described the process as “a model of accepting stakeholder input and serving our community.”
Alderperson Kayla Matos, who also served on the committee, said, “I appreciate the committee listening intently to what people with lived experience of homelessness have had to say. I also appreciate that we have developed a policy that the outreach workers and other not-for-profit partners have supported.”
The city will now begin phased implementation of the policy, including efforts to secure a temporary campground operation permit from Tompkins County Environmental Health. Officials also plan to establish a navigation hub to better connect individuals with housing and support services.
Progress updates will be presented to the Common Council and shared with the public.
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