Laura Vineyard urges Ithaca Common Council to uphold Green New Deal commitments

The Ithaca Common Council meeting held on May 7, 2025, featured significant discussions centered around the reaffirmation of the Ithaca Green New Deal. Community leaders and advocates expressed strong support for the city's ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation and climate justice.

Laura Vineyard, the executive director of the Center for Community Transportation, emphasized the importance of the Green New Deal in addressing climate issues and promoting equitable access to transportation. She highlighted Ithaca's progress over the past five years, including the adoption of a green building policy and the implementation of the Justice 50 framework. Vineyard urged the council to maintain momentum in these efforts to combat climate injustice.

Nikki Ray Israelson, a resident and director of Bike Walk Tompkins, echoed Vineyard's sentiments, reminding attendees that Ithaca was the first city in the United States to adopt a Green New Deal resolution in February 2019. She praised the city for its ambitious climate goals and its commitment to equity and justice. Israelson called for continued leadership in sustainable practices, emphasizing the role of community members in fostering a climate-resilient Ithaca.

Jeff Goodmark, a long-time Ithaca resident, also voiced his support for the Green New Deal, noting the city's leadership in green policies over the past five years. His remarks reinforced the collective call for the council to reaffirm its commitment to sustainability and climate action.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the community's dedication to environmental initiatives and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a sustainable future for Ithaca. The council's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the reaffirmation of the Green New Deal and its associated goals.