The Syracuse Common Council met on February 23, 2026, at 5:55 PM. The meeting included a pledge, invocation, roll call (all present), approval of previous minutes, a committee report on good cause eviction, a communication from Bill Magnum Raleigh, and then the main agenda items. The most significant action was the defeat of a local law to opt into Good Cause Eviction on a 4-4 tie vote. The council also appointed Helen Hudson to an at-large seat, passed numerous resolutions, and recognized Officer Jamie Pastorelli for his compassionate actions.
Good Cause Eviction Local Law (Item 8A): Councilor Aaron Wright moved to hold the item, but after parliamentary procedure, a motion to introduce and vote on the local law was made. The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie: Councilors Cartwell (No), Machok (Yes), Aaron Wright (Yes), Nave (No), Moore (No with statement), Williams (Yes), Jones Rousser (No with statement), Mato (Yes). Council President Paniagua explained she could not break the tie on a local law per the Municipal Home Rule Law. The item failed.
Councilor Moore explained her no vote: she supports tenant stability but cited concerns about the expansion to landlords owning two or more properties, lack of enforcement capacity for existing rental registration and housing codes, unanswered questions about code enforcement staffing, housing court caseload, and impact on small landlords.
Councilor Jones Rousser provided extensive data: He claimed that only 17 municipalities enacted GCE, eviction rates declined less than 5% from 2023-2025, only about 8,000-9,000 of Syracuse's 34,575 rental units would be protected, and that GCE would not cover public housing, Section 8 (3,600+), buildings built after 2009, luxury units, owner-occupied multifamily, etc. He argued that GCE would harm residents more than help and that the city should focus on new development, funding for housing stock, and tenant education.
Councilor Aaron Wright asked those in the audience who know someone who would have been protected by GCE to raise their hands.
Councilor Mato stated he voted yes because he believes in protecting the bottom and that GCE would bring the pendulum back to center.
Councilor Cartwell (voted no) noted that her family lived in public housing and that GCE does not address poor housing conditions. She called for a Syracuse-specific legislation developed collaboratively.
Appointment of Helen Hudson as Councilor At-Large (New Business): Councilor Mato made a motion to appoint Helen Hudson. Councilor Aaron Wright attempted to abstain citing lack of discussion, but was required to vote; he voted no. The vote was 6-2 in favor (Cardwell yes, Machok yes, Aaron Wright no, Nave yes, Moore yes, Williams yes, Jones Rousser yes, Mato no). The motion passed.
Items 9-46: Most were routine approvals, adopted unanimously. Notable items:
Settle down, settle down. We're gonna start our meeting. Okay, wait, I need glasses. All right. All right, so let's uh please rise for the pledge of allegiance and remain. Remain standing for the vocation. It's a very powerful origin. One nation is law with liberty justice for all. In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful. We thank you, oh God, for gathering us in a place of public trust and service. You have honored every human being with dignity and entrusted communities to the care of those who lead them. Guide the members of this council with wisdom and humility. Help them listen to every voice, especially those who struggle to be heard, and grant them the courage to choose what is right over what is easy. You teach us in the Quran, in Allah Ya Murabil Adli Wal I Hassan, indeed, God commands justice and excellence. Make justice the foundation of decisions made here, and compassion, the spirit behind them. Remind us that our city is a strengthened by its diversity, neighbors of different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, and that serving people is among the highest forms of service to you. Bless this city with safety, cooperation, and mutual respect, and allow today's work to benefit all who call this community home. Amen. Yes, madam president Councillor Cartwell. Councilor Machot. Here, Councillor Aaron Wright. Here Councillor Nave. Councilor Moore. Present. Councillor Williams. Councillor Jones Rowser. Councilor Mato. Yeah. All present. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the our last meeting? So move. Thank you. Thank you. All right. So let's get into the agenda. All in favor? I hope. Thank you. Okay. Um, Councillor Aaron Rick. I'm sorry, wait, I'm sorry. I I gotta go to the petitions. Any petitions? No, madam president. Committee reports. Yes, committee report. On Thursday, the 19th of February, 5 p.m., the neighborhood preservation committee held a town hall style committee meeting regarding good cause eviction. Anyone else? Okay.