Common Council

Meetings

Regular Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available on Friday afternoon prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Overview and Duties:

The legislative power of the city is vested in the Common Council, and it has power to enact and enforce any ordinance or resolution not in conflict with the Constitution or laws of this state for any local purpose pertaining to the government of the city and the management of its business, the protection of the business and property interests of its citizens, the preservation of order, peace and health and the safety and welfare of the city and the inhabitants thereof.  It has the management and control of the finances and of all the property, real and personal, belonging to the city, except as otherwise provided by the City Charter or by any other provision of law.

Common Council consists of two elected representatives for each of the City’s five wards.  Common Council members (also known as "Alderperson"), serve four year terms, and are paid $9,641 annually. You can find information about who your Common Council representatives are and where you vote by using our resident services tool.  A map of the City's election wards and districts can be found here.

The Mayor presides over Common Council meetings but may only vote when Common Council is setting the annual property tax rate, or when a Common Council vote results in a tie.

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