green new deal

The city launched the program as part of the Ithaca Green New Deal initiative, which aims to completely eliminate the city's net carbon emissions by 2030.

The laws set standard wages for renewable energy jobs, set higher energy efficiency standards and incentivize thermal energy infrastructure and research.

The City of Ithaca will soon begin a guaranteed income pilot program. It's intended for lower and middle-income residents who are primary caregivers.

"We also need to do a whole lot of work in the coming years to make sure we are building a truly equitable and just democracy," said one of the rally organizers, Joanna Green.

The compromise comes after cries for more of an investment to fight climate change.

They want two more full-time staff members, more money and a longer commitment to funding.