A major push to modernize Ithaca’s city government is kicking off this fall — and residents will help lead the charge.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo announced Wednesday that a new Mayoral Charter Commission will begin reviewing the City of Ithaca Charter, with the goal of improving transparency, accountability, and democratic responsiveness.
The Charter Commission will be made up of local residents, civic leaders, legal experts, and policy professionals. Its main job: recommend updates that bring the city’s governing structure in line with modern best practices and New York State law.
That includes:
- Clarifying the roles of the Mayor, Council, and City Manager
- Exploring election reforms like term lengths, Council makeup, and ranked-choice voting
- Ensuring residents clearly understand who’s responsible for key decisions
“This Charter Commission is about making sure our city government is clear in its roles, responsive in its actions, and accountable to the people it serves,” Cantelmo said in the announcement.
The initiative has the support of both the Common Council and city administration. City staff and legal advisors will assist the Commission throughout its work.
Cantelmo emphasized that this isn’t about political gain. “This is not a political exercise—it’s a governance one,” he said. “We’re taking a thoughtful, inclusive approach to ensure our Charter reflects the needs of a modern city, grounded in democratic values and legal integrity.”
The Commission plans to hold public hearings and gather broad community feedback before delivering recommendations to the Council in 2026. Any proposed charter changes would go through the Council for approval—or a public referendum, depending on state law.
Residents interested in joining the Commission or sharing input can reach out to the Mayor’s Office at [email protected] or 607-391-5862.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].