Ithaca Common Council unanimously reaffirms Green New Deal initiative

The Ithaca City Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the city's climate action plan and the Green New Deal. The meeting focused on the timeline for presenting the climate action document to the city council and the commission's role in shaping its recommendations.

The meeting began with a discussion about the upcoming schedule, indicating that the commission would have one more meeting in July before the full document is presented in October. The members emphasized the importance of preparing an implementation recommendation that aligns with the climate action plan. They agreed that by the second Monday in October, the commission should finalize its stance on the resolution to support or oppose the plan.

A significant point raised was the need to ensure that the city council is adequately prepared for the level of detail in the recommendations. It was noted that the council would receive a memo and a high-level presentation in October, but would not have access to the detailed discussions that the commission had. This raised concerns about potential delays if the council sought further information or clarification.

The meeting also highlighted the recent unanimous vote by the common council to reaffirm the principles of the Green New Deal. Members expressed satisfaction with the swift adoption of their recommendations, noting that all prior suggestions had been accepted without opposition. However, there were concerns about the feasibility of achieving the stated goals, with some council members questioning the likelihood of success.

The commission acknowledged the importance of addressing these goals as they approach 2026, emphasizing the need for clear communication about the progress and outcomes of the Green New Deal initiatives. Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to advancing sustainability efforts in Ithaca while navigating the complexities of municipal governance. The next steps will involve further discussions in June and a final vote in October, as the commission prepares to present its recommendations to the council.