Ithaca officials highlighted progress and outlined key priorities for 2026 during the City’s State of the City Address Wednesday evening, focusing on housing, economic development, climate action, fiscal accountability, and democratic governance.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo acknowledged ongoing challenges, including housing affordability, infrastructure needs, flood risk, and delayed audits, but said the City is “stronger, more accountable, and more prepared to do the work ahead than it was a year ago.”
Among the accomplishments highlighted was Ithaca’s receipt of $38 million through the inaugural New York State ACHIEVE program. The funding will support the rehabilitation of SouthWorks and help transform the site into a mixed-use neighborhood, laying the groundwork for public and private investment.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cantelmo outlined initiatives including a comprehensive zoning rewrite to expand housing options, coordinated planning for the West Martin Luther King Jr. Street corridor, initial work on a potential arts and cultural district, implementation of key Ithaca Green New Deal programs, efforts to address flood risk, and a renewed focus on completing the City’s outstanding audits with public briefings.
Cantelmo also expressed confidence in Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio and emphasized the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, strengthening internal capacity, and rebuilding public trust.
A full copy of the 2026 State of the City Address is available on the City of Ithaca’s website.
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