Snow is basically a personality trait if you live in Oneonta. This January, the "City of the Hills" is leaning hard into that identity. Between the slush on Main Street and the biting wind coming off the Susquehanna, there’s a lot shifting in the local landscape that doesn't always make the big headlines in Albany or Syracuse.
People think Oneonta is just a sleepy college town that hibernates from December to May. Honestly, that’s just wrong. While the students are back and shivering their way up the Ravine Parkway, the permanent community is currently wrestling with some pretty significant shifts in how the city actually functions.
The Politics of Change: New Faces at City Hall
We’ve seen a massive shake-up in local governance that started the year with a bang. Mayor Dan Buttermann, who recently stepped into the role after a tight race against Luisa Montanti, isn't wasting any time. He’s already overhauled the committee structure of the Common Council.
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In a move that caught some folks off guard, the city eliminated the Community Wellness Committee. To replace it, two new heavy hitters were brought in: the Negotiations Committee and the Communications Committee. The goal? Basically, to stop the "us versus them" vibe that sometimes happens between city staff and the council during big contract talks. Scott Harrington, who represents the Sixth Ward, is taking the lead on the Negotiations side. They’re going to be looking at the big stuff—police contracts, fire department deals, and what happens with city-owned land like 27 Market Street.
Over in the Town of Oneonta, Will Rivera was just sworn in as Town Supervisor on January 2nd. His whole platform is built on "neighborhood energy," which sounds great on a flyer but actually translates to a push against big developers and toward more transparent town board meetings.
What’s Actually Happening on the Ground
If you’ve walked past the Foothills Performing Arts Center lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of activity. The winter season isn't just about surviving the cold; it's about the Oneonta Public Market and a surprising amount of live theater.
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- Theater & Arts: The "Oklahoma! Youth Edition" just wrapped its run at the Foothills, and the vibe was electric. It’s a reminder that even when it’s 22 degrees outside, the local arts scene stays warm.
- The Protest Culture: Oneonta has a long history of activism, and it hasn't cooled off. Recently, former Mayor Mark Drnek joined nearly 400 people in Cooperstown to protest the sheriff's 287(g) agreement with ICE. It’s a big deal locally, showing that Oneonta’s influence extends well beyond the city limits into the broader Otsego County political sphere.
- The "Kenny" Situation: If you're on Nextdoor or local Facebook groups, you've probably seen the search for Kenny. He's a 7-year-old grey tiger cat who’s been missing for a bit. It’s a small detail, but in a town like this, the community search for a skittish pet is just as much "Oneonta news" as a council meeting.
The College Factor: SUNY and Hartwick Updates
You can’t talk about Oneonta without the schools. SUNY Oneonta just hit some major milestones. According to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university is now #11 for top public schools in the Northeast.
President Alberto Cardelle has been leaning into the "social mobility" angle. About 35% of the students there are Pell Grant recipients. It’s becoming a powerhouse for kids who aren't coming from old money but want a legit education. On the other side of the hill, Hartwick College is branding itself as "The Life Balance College." They also just got a $100,000 gift for their swimming and diving program, which is a massive boost for their athletics.
The Weather Reality
Let's talk about the cold. It’s January 2026, and the forecast is... predictable. Highs are hovering in the low 20s. We’re looking at a string of snow showers that make the commute down Chestnut Street a bit of a gamble.
The Otsego Outdoors crew is currently pushing their 20th Otsego Octet Challenge. Basically, if you do eight winter activities—like hiking at Gilbert Lake or Robert V. Riddell State Park—by March 19, you get a patch. It’s a very "Upstate" way of gamifying the fact that we're stuck in the snow for three more months.
Actionable Steps for Oneonta Residents
If you’re living in or moving to the area, here is how to stay plugged into the real Oneonta:
- Watch the Ward Boundaries: The city just went through a redistricting process based on the 2020 Census. Check the new maps at City Hall to make sure you know who your Common Council representative is before the next big vote on the Negotiations Committee.
- Support Local News: Check out The Daily Star and AllOtsego. AI-generated summaries are fine, but they miss the nuance of why a specific property sale on Market Street actually matters to your property taxes.
- Get the Hyper-Reach: The Town of Oneonta uses the Hyper-Reach system for emergency alerts. Sign up now so you aren't the last person to know when a "Conserve Water" order hits or a blizzard shuts down the schools.
- Join the Banner Program: The Greater Oneonta Historical Society (GOHS) is taking applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program. The deadline for new banners is March 28th. It’s a cool way to honor local veterans on Main Street.
Oneonta is shifting from a quiet mountain town into a more structured, politically active small city. Whether it's the new leadership at the Town Hall or the record-breaking enrollment at the university, the "City of the Hills" is far from stagnant.