Our Platform
Our Asks:
An equitable increase in PILOT payments from Cornell University
Full transparency from Common Council and those negotiating on behalf of the City
Opportunities for public comment prior to the final re-negotiation of the PILOT MOU
The June 2024 MOU must include the creation of a community stakeholder PILOT oversight commission
What Cornell Owes Us:
For Our City:
Significantly increased funding for Public Workers
Improving salaries for lowest-paid Public Workers
Begin replacing roads at recommended rate (5%/year) and improving bike lanes and crosswalks
Increase Ithaca Fire Department contribution
Sidewalk snow removal
Reparations pilot program for black Ithacans
Increased contribution to general fund
For Our County:
Funding for mental health services through Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca and/or other providers
Funding for permanent supportive housing (in line with Home Together Tompkins)
For Our Public Transit System:
Fare-free and expanded busses
Current: bus pass program + direct annual contribution
Proposed: direct annual contribution sufficient for fare-free TCAT, adequate staffing, and wages
For our Children’s Schools:
Supporting raises for the Ithaca Teachers, Educational Support Personnel, Teachers’ Assistants, and Substitutes Association bargaining units in upcoming contract negotiations to allow the district to recruit and retain the talent that works most directly with students
Free breakfasts and lunches for all students
Investing in community-schools model for helping to meet the social/emotional and mental health needs of our students
Sustainability-focused item — electric buses and other infrastructure
In addition, Cornell profits thanks to our community, and they should share the fruits of those profits with the community. As a result, we should get at least 1% of annual capital gains on Cornell’s endowment. Depending on funds received, this may be used to:
Build/purchase public housing, especially to shelter unhoused Ithacans, supporting Home Together Tompkins plan
Through a community-led allocation process
Provide one-time grants to local nonprofits
Fund bridge replacement/renovation
Fund wastewater treatment renovation/improvement
Fund improvements/renovations for parks and public spaces
Invest in flood mitigation
Purchase electric school buses