Ithaca’s system of government is getting a full checkup.
Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo announced the creation of a Charter Revision Commission tasked with reviewing and modernizing the Ithaca City Charter, the city’s core governing document. The effort aims to clear up confusion about authority, update outdated language, and strengthen accountability across city government.
The 15-member commission will operate under New York State Municipal Home Rule Law and take a comprehensive look at how Ithaca governs itself. The review comes amid concerns that parts of the charter no longer reflect how the city actually operates or what residents expect from local leadership.
“The Charter is the constitution of our local government,” Cantelmo said. “If residents cannot clearly understand who is responsible for leadership, policy direction, and execution, accountability breaks down.”
What the commission will examine
The commission will focus on several key areas tied directly to how power and responsibility function at City Hall.
That includes clarifying the roles of the mayor, Common Council, and city manager. Members will also work to modernize charter language and align it with state law and current best practices.
Election-related reforms are also on the table. The group will evaluate council structure, term lengths, vacancy procedures, and the potential use of ranked-choice voting. The goal is to make Ithaca’s system clearer and more transparent for voters.
How the process will work
The commission will meet in compliance with the state’s Open Meetings Law and conduct public outreach throughout the process. City staff will provide administrative and legal support, with outside experts brought in if needed.
The timeline stretches across the year. The commission plans to organize and adopt its rules within 60 days. Public engagement and issue identification are expected by midyear, followed by drafting and deliberations later in the year.
Final recommendations are expected in time to place proposed charter changes on the general election ballot. Voters will have the final say through a public referendum.
Who’s on the commission
The mayor appointed 15 Ithaca residents with backgrounds in public administration, law, finance, planning, labor, housing, and civic engagement. Members will serve without pay and are intended to reflect the city’s geographic and professional diversity.
Billy Noseworthy will serve as chair, with Kris Haines-Sharp named vice chair and Clyde Lederman serving as secretary.
Looking ahead
Cantelmo stressed the work will have real consequences, not just symbolic value.
“This is about aligning our governing framework with the values of transparency, accountability, and effective leadership,” he said.
The city plans to release more details soon, including meeting schedules and opportunities for residents to weigh in.
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