A packed chamber heard a blunt message Wednesday night as Ithaca’s mayor laid out what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next.
Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo delivered his 2026 State of the City Address on Jan. 14, pointing to recent progress while openly acknowledging challenges like housing affordability, infrastructure needs, flood risk, and delayed audits.
“The State of our City is not where it needs to be yet,” Cantelmo said. “But it is stronger, more accountable, and more prepared to do the work ahead than it was a year ago.”
Cantelmo highlighted Ithaca’s $38 million award through New York State’s inaugural ACHIEVE program. The funding will support rehabilitation of the SouthWorks site and help turn it into a new mixed-use neighborhood, setting the stage for future public and private investment.
Looking ahead, the mayor outlined several priorities for the year. They include a comprehensive zoning rewrite to expand housing options, coordinated planning to revitalize the West Martin Luther King Jr. Street corridor, and early research into a possible arts and cultural district.
He also pointed to continued rollout of Ithaca Green New Deal programs, including Community Choice Aggregation and participatory budgeting. Other goals include addressing flood risk through technical work and map revisions, and completing the city’s outstanding audits with public briefings.
Cantelmo voiced full confidence in Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio and said the administration will focus on restoring fiscal discipline, strengthening internal operations, and rebuilding public trust.
He closed the address by emphasizing public investment, democratic accountability, and transparent local government as guiding principles for the year ahead.
A full copy of the 2026 State of the City Address is available on the City of Ithaca’s website.
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