Ithaca residents press council to end Flock surveillance contract in packed public comment Dozens of residents urged the Ithaca Common Council to suspend or cancel the city's contract with Flock, citing privacy, data‑sharing with other agencies, and security vulnerabilities; councilors said an update will be provided in the coming weeks and one member pledged to introduce a resolution to end the contract.

Ithaca residents are rallying against the Flock surveillance contract, demanding stronger oversight and transparency amid fears of data misuse and privacy violations.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #DataSharing #IthacaCommunity #PrivacyProtect #SurveillanceOversight

Ithaca police brief Community Police Board on training, policy reviews and officer development Department officials told the Ithaca Community Police Board they are expanding training, revising policies with outside experts and maintaining lengthy field training, and outlined plans to post updated policies online and release an annual training report.

Ithaca's police department is shaking things up with enhanced training, updated policies, and a commitment to community safety—get ready for a transformation in local law enforcement!

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #PolicyReform #CommunityTraining

IURA committee narrows reprogramming options to expedite CDBG spend-down; favors Southside fire-panel, Cleveland Avenue aid and contribution to Cass Park Staff told the committee it can reprogram roughly $205,000 now (up to $235,000 possible) to meet HUD timeliness targets. Members gave informal support for funding Southside Community Center’s fire-panel replacement, helping cover a Cleveland Avenue housing project overage and contributing toward Cass Park restroom repairs while reserving public‑서비스

Ithaca's committee is poised to reprogram $205,000 in CDBG funds to tackle urgent community projects, with top priority on replacing the Southside Community Center's faulty fire panel.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #HousingSupport #CommunityDevelopment

Ithaca Common Council adopts 2026 budget 9–1 after restoring outreach and violence-interruption funding; sets tax rate at $12.24 per $1,000 The Ithaca City Common Council on Nov. 12 adopted the 2026 budget by a 9–1 vote after passing motions to correct a defunding error and to restore funds for a community outreach worker program and a violence-interrupter program; the council also unanimously approved a tax rate of $12.24 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Ithaca's Common Council has just passed a pivotal 2026 budget, restoring vital funding for key community programs after a heated debate and a surprising defunding error!

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #CommunityOutreach #BudgetAccountability

Mark your calendar for the IWR benefit jewelry sale on November 22!

Find holiday gifts or treat yourself while supporting a great cause. All proceeds will help refugees and immigrants in Tompkins County.

#ithacany #ithacaevents #downtownithacaevents #tompkinscounty #ithacacommunity

Common Council budget pressure could reduce police roster; board discusses unarmed responders and program integration At a Nov. meeting of the Ithaca City Community Police Board, members discussed city budget pressure that may reduce the police department's authorized staffing and examined trade-offs between cutting funded police positions and expanding unarmed response programs. Board members urged better cross-agency planning and clarity about which programs are

The Ithaca City Community Police Board is weighing budget cuts that could shrink police staffing while redirecting funds to unarmed response programs—could this reshape public safety in our community?

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #BudgetAccountability

Community Voices Support Local Police Officers Amid Staffing Challenges Community members express appreciation for police officers while addressing staffing shortages.

Community members are stepping up to celebrate local police officers, highlighting their vital contributions despite ongoing staffing challenges.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity #CommunityRelations #LawEnforcementTransparency #PublicAcknowledgment

Ithaca Police Discuss Flock Data Use and Community Concerns at Recent Meeting Ithaca officials address community concerns over Flock camera data sharing and privacy issues.

Ithaca's police board is tackling the balance between enhanced public safety through license plate reader technology and the critical need to protect privacy rights—what does this mean for your community?

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #PrivacyRights

Ithaca Mayor Proposes Roots Team For Community Responder Program City of Ithaca presents community responder program to improve public safety and equity.

Ithaca is taking a bold step towards reimagining public safety with its new community responder program, the Roots Team, designed to build trust and support for residents in nonviolent situations.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #IthacaCommunity #EquityInAction

INHS presents plans for new five-story building with daycare on West State Street INHS reveals design for 56-unit residential building and daycare with outdoor play area.

A groundbreaking five-story building featuring 56 one-bedroom units and a daycare facility is set to reshape Ithaca's skyline, prioritizing community needs and environmental harmony.

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#NY #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #IthacaCommunity

Ithaca residents challenge common council's focus on activism over business needs Speakers criticize common council for neglecting business and housing provider concerns.

Ithaca residents are voicing their frustrations as the Common Council faces backlash for prioritizing activist agendas over crucial business and housing needs.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #SocialJustice #LocalGovAI

Developers revise 4 story building plan following College Town zoning changes Revised building design responds to zoning shift and addresses prior feedback on density.

A bold new vision for College Town is unfolding as developers unveil a revised four-story building plan that promises to enhance community living and accessibility!

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#NY #IthacaCommunity #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CommunityDesign #ZoningReform

INHS unveils plans for mixed-use building with daycare on State Street INHS proposes 56-unit mixed-use building with daycare and adjusted parking access on State Street

A groundbreaking mixed-use development in Ithaca is set to transform a medical practice site into a vibrant community hub with 56 residential units and a dedicated daycare facility!

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#NY #IthacaCommunity #UrbanDevelopment #ChildcareAccess #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal

Developers unveil refined design for multifamily housing on Summit and Oak Avenue Design changes increase green space and improve functionality in new multifamily housing project.

Ithaca's new residential project is transforming community living with innovative designs that boost green space and enhance functionality for residents.

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#NY #IthacaCommunity #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CommunityLiving

Community Development Board fully funds job training programs amid funding challenges Board allocates 200K for loans and updates on grant disbursements and project delays.

Ithaca's Economic Development Committee has fully funded job training programs, but looming funding challenges could impact crucial community projects.

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#NY #EconomicDevelopment #GrantDisbursement #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity #JobTraining

Meet IWR Board Member Pedro Molina For an internationally acclaimed political cartoonist familiar with discomfort, Pedro Molina did not anticipate the physical shock of his first few days in Ithaca. He arrived from Nicaragua in the dea...

In our recent blog, we interviewed the amazing Pedro Molina, IWR board member and political cartoonist. Read his insights: www.ithacawelcomesrefugees.org/meet-iwr-boa... #ithacany #ithacacommunity @pxmolina.bsky.social

Reuse Program expands support to 75 households monthly in new funding search Reuse materials access program assists 75 households monthly and seeks new funding sources.

The Reuse Materials Access Program is transforming lives in Ithaca by supporting 75 households each month, but now it faces a critical funding challenge—will the community step up to ensure its future?

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#NY #FundingChallenges #LocalInitiatives #IthacaCommunity #CommunitySupport

Scott Sherwood details Service and Unity's employment program for individuals in recovery Service and Unity facilitates job placements for individuals in recovery, prioritizing community partnerships.

Local organizations are uniting to transform lives by creating job opportunities for individuals in recovery, fostering a stronger community in Ithaca.

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#NY #SocialResponsibility #IthacaCommunity #CommunityOutreach #EmploymentInitiatives #CitizenPortal

Catholic Charities immigrant services aid over 200 clients in legal applications Sue Chaffee highlights support for immigration cases through pro bono legal services and client advocacy.

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is stepping up to provide essential mental health services and immigrant support, showcasing the incredible impact of community advocacy.

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#NY #IthacaCommunity #YouthMentalHealth #CivicAccountability #ImmigrantSupport #CitizenPortal

Human Services Coalition seeks IURA support for 211 helpline staffing and services Coalition requests funding to enhance 211 helpline support for low to moderate income residents.

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is at a crossroads as the demand for the vital 211 helpline surges, leaving the future of essential community support hanging in the balance.

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#NY #PublicHealth #IthacaCommunity #CommunitySupport #SocialServices #CitizenPortal

Black Hands Universal launches apprenticeship program to empower Ithaca's low-income graduates BHU's program offers trades training and career resources for low-income community members.

Ithaca's Black Hands Universal is launching an empowering apprenticeship program aimed at transforming the lives of low-income community members through essential trade skills and career support.

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#NY #JobReadiness #IthacaCommunity #EconomicStability #InclusivityInitiatives

Community leaders support funding Southside Community Center for disaster resilience efforts Leaders advocate for fully funding the Southside Community Center's disaster resilience program.

The Southside Community Center could become Ithaca's lifeline during disasters, but it needs your support to make it happen!

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#NY #EmergencyServices #DisasterPreparedness #CommunityResilience #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity

Community center reports 189% increase in programming participation for 2024 Funding recommendations highlight staffing costs amidst program success concerns.

Ithaca's community initiative is soaring with a jaw-dropping 189% increase in participation, but can it sustain this explosive growth amid funding challenges?

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#NY #IthacaCommunity #CivicAccountability #CommunityGrowth #CitizenPortal #EducationInitiatives

Southside Community Center plans major renovations for new flood resiliency hub The center collaborates with Cornell University to enhance infrastructure for emergency relief.

The Southside Community Center is set to transform into a vital flood resiliency hub, redefining emergency support with innovative renovations and community collaboration.

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#NY #CommunityResilience #InfrastructureInnovation #EmergencyPreparedness #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity

Ithaca Common Council reaffirms sanctuary city status amid deportation concerns Local leaders support sanctuary policies to protect undocumented residents from federal deportation

In a powerful show of unity, Ithaca residents gathered to demand sanctuary city protections and compassionate solutions for homelessness, igniting a movement for inclusivity and support.

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#NY #HomelessnessJustice #SanctuaryPolicies #CitizenPortal #IthacaCommunity