Good News You May Have Missed
Mayor Buttermann Outlines His Priorities at First Public Forum
By DAKOTA KEATS
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA
Oneonta Mayor Dan Buttermann outlined his priorities for the city’s future during his first Community Conversation event since taking office. During the Sunday, February 22 public forum, he emphasized improved communication, housing development, economic revitalization and public safety.
Buttermann, who began his mayoral term on January 1, hosted the event at the Elks Lodge at 84-86 Chestnut Street. The gathering marked the first of four Community Conversation events planned for 2026, with the next scheduled for May. Residents, city officials and community leaders attended to hear the mayor’s ideas and offer feedback.
During the discussion, Buttermann highlighted the need for clearer and more accessible communication between city government and residents.
He said the city should develop a more intentional communication plan that makes better use of its website, social media, local newspapers and printed materials. The goal, he said, is to make city information easier to find, easier to understand and open to public input.
Buttermann also spoke about potential changes to the city’s committee structure, including strengthening the newly formed Negotiations Committee. That committee reviews major contracts and agreements.
Buttermann said routine purchases would continue to move through the standard finance process, while larger or more complex agreements would receive additional review to ensure they serve the city’s long-term interests.
Housing and economic growth were described as urgent needs for Oneonta.
Buttermann emphasized the importance of addressing vacant and underused properties and working with outside partners to expand housing opportunities. He pointed to redevelopment possibilities for existing sites, including the Oneonta Theatre building on Chestnut Street, the municipal airport, and areas along Market and Main streets.
Public safety was another central topic. Buttermann noted an increase in the number of people seeking warming services during cold weather and stressed the need to explore longer-term shelter solutions in coordination with county and state officials. He also discussed the rising cost of emergency equipment, saying fire trucks and similar vehicles are costly investments that often require assistance from state and federal partners.
Eighth Ward Council Member Don Mathisen, who represents downtown, said he supports the mayor’s focus on housing and economic growth, calling them critical priorities for the city.
“When it comes to housing, this is a small community, we don’t need large apartment buildings,” Mathisen said. “What we need is mostly single-family homes, two-family homes and three-family homes.”
Mathisen said the city should focus on rehabilitating or removing vacant properties and replacing them with smaller homes that better reflect the character and needs of the community. He added that encouraging entrepreneurship and attracting new businesses would help strengthen the local economy.
“I’m an optimistic person, and I know Dan Buttermann well,” Mathisen said. “I think he’ll do a good job as mayor.”
As Oneonta looks ahead, residents and city leaders expressed hope that continued dialogue and collaboration will help the city address its challenges. Participants said thoughtful planning and community involvement will be key to creating new housing opportunities, supporting local businesses and ensuring Oneonta’s growth benefits everyone.
This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.
