Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo has announced the creation of a Mayoral Charter Commission that will begin work this fall to review and recommend updates to the City of Ithaca Charter.
The Commission will be made up of residents, civic leaders, legal experts, and policy practitioners. Its responsibilities include clarifying the roles of the mayor, council, and city manager; updating outdated sections of the charter to align with New York State law and best practices; and exploring election reforms such as term lengths, council composition, and the possible use of ranked-choice voting.
Mayor Cantelmo said the effort is aimed at improving coordination, transparency, and public accountability.
“Ithaca has never lacked for vision—but we must ensure our governing structure can carry that vision forward,” Cantelmo said. “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.”
The initiative is supported by both the Common Council and the city administration, which will provide staff support and legal guidance. Public hearings and opportunities for community input are planned as part of the process.
The Commission is expected to deliver its recommendations to the Common Council in 2026. Any proposed amendments would then require council approval or, in some cases, a public referendum.
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