Rachel Ostlund
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 43
- Total speaking time
- 1:58:29
- Avg per meeting
- 2:45
- Segments
- 1509
Want every word Ostlund has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Ostlund said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(Development)
Housing Affordability and Target Market Analysis
$50,000 state grant funds the planning work; no county cost.
Asteri Ithaca and county homelessness response
The mayor's cited eminent domain figure of $186 million makes acquisition likely out of reach for now.
Federal HUD homelessness funding in limbo
Potential federal funding cuts could reduce money available for local shelter and homelessness services.
Housing shortage for single adults
No fiscal action taken; possible future county funding for ADU construction was floated.
Downtown Parking Availability
Unknown — depends on city parking policy decisions.
City of Ithaca Zoning Reform Survey
While exact numbers aren't set yet, loosening up zoning rules could eventually lead to more housing supply, helping to keep skyrocketing rents and home prices in check.
NYU Furman Center homeless response peer network
Community Housing Development Fund Round 26 Awards
$80,000 in IDA contributions disbursed; over $2 million remains available in the CHDF.
Federal Cuts Threaten Permanent Supportive Housing
A 70% cut to federal homeless funding would hit local programs in October 2028 if the courts don't permanently block it.
Asteri Ithaca / Vecino Group enforcement
The county has already levied a $40,000 fine, and public service costs to the building are significant though not quantified in open session.
Housing Choice Voucher Program Pressures
Shelter stays run roughly $139-$149 per night; losing vouchers shifts costs to the homeless response system.
Housing affordability and equity indicators
Housing cost burdens hit renters hardest, and county grant programs like the Community Housing Development Fund are the main local lever — its partner MOU expires at the end of 2027.
Harris B. Dates Drive Parcel — Affordable Housing Potential
The parcel has been off the tax rolls for years; developing or selling it could add housing and tax revenue, though no dollar figure was set.
SouthWorks/Gateway Affordable Housing Infrastructure Award
$1 million in state infrastructure funding, requiring a $2 million developer match as a reimbursement grant.
80-Bed Adult Homeless Shelter at 227 Cherry Street
Total project cost is about $18 million, with $15 million sought from the state and roughly $3 million from the county capital budget.
2024 Housing Snapshot — Affordability Crisis Data
Buying a median-priced home requires over $26,000 in cash, and median rent of about $1,600 requires roughly $63,000 in annual income.
Proposed shift of homelessness programs to Health and Human Services Committee
Hanshaw Village Water and Sewer Infrastructure
$1 million state grant request toward an estimated $3.5 million project.
Affordable housing funding carried into 2026
$550,000 in previously awarded funds stays available for affordable housing projects; no new county money.
REACH Medical Respite and Supportive Housing Project
REACH is shouldering roughly $150,000–$160,000 in rent on the empty building while awaiting state HHAP funding; operations are expected to be sustainable through Medicaid reimbursements.
Decisions during term (10)
Recorded while Ostlund was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Res. 2026-105: Calling on Federal Government to Invest in Economic Development, Housing, and Infrastructure
Chair's Appointments — Workforce Development Board
Resolution Calling on Federal Government to Invest in Economic Development, Housing, and Infrastructure (ID #14061)
Negative Declaration for CHDF Award — Compass Redevelopment Phase II (ID #13989)
Authorization to Disburse CHDF Round 24 Funds — Compass Redevelopment Phase II (ID #13990)
Budget Adjustment — Airport Small Community Air Service Development Grant (ID #13946)
Seneca Place Lease for Workforce Development and Assigned Counsel (ID #13949)
Caregiver Leave Policy Development (ID #13889)
Appointments to the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA)
Resolution: Appointments to the TCIDA and Tompkins County Development Corporation (ID #13822)
Voting record (4)(Development)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.