A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

February proved to be another successful and productive month for County government. Our team in Children and Family Services were awarded a multi-million dollar contract to continue their very important work in the area of youth mental health while our health department continued with outreach and educational efforts regarding heart health.

This month, I had to the honor of joining other leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. to discuss the planning and preparation that ultimately resulted in Micron pledging to make the largest investment in the history of the country in Onondaga County—our home. 

Efforts continued to be made to ensure that we are prepared to meet the historic demand for housing, including the announcement of the next round of recipients of our OCHIP funding. We were also able to announce a new hotel that will be coming to Onondaga County with LivAway Suites which is set to build in the Town of DeWitt.

Our County Team continues to make investments in our children and future workforce to prepare for the historic economic growth coming to Onondaga County and look forward to making additional announcements in the coming months.

Below you will find out more about the many exciting things taking place in Onondaga County. As always, it is an honor to serve as your County Executive and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Across our Nation, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month. Several pioneers in the African American community have actually called Syracuse and Onondaga County home.

Find out more about our rich and diverse history by visiting the Onondaga Historical Association our click below:

Onondaga County is committed to Women's heart health. February 2nd was national #WearRedDay, to raise awareness that heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the U.S.

To learn more, please click below:

Onondaga County Employees supporting Women's Heart Health by wearing red!

The Lunar New Year is here, and this year it’s all about the Dragon. 

The holiday, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, officially kicked off on February 10th marking the beginning of countless celebrations worldwide. 

Originating in multiple countries across east Asia, the holiday is filled with rich culture and tradition that centers around the hope for good fortune and prosperity. Each year, the exact date differs as it's based on the cycle of the moon. 

Based on ancient Chinese mythology, each year has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. 

County Executive McMahon announced that the Department of Children and Family Services Mental Health Division was awarded a Federal Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Grant. Onondaga County’s Mental Health Division will receive a total of $3.7 million over five years and will support the Health Transitions Project. 

The Healthy Transitions Project focuses on transition age youth – ages 16 to 25 – that are identified as having or being at risk for serious emotional distress or mental illness. The goal of the Health Transitions Project is to support youth who are at risk of developing mental health challenges as they enter adulthood. 

County Executive McMahon said, “Investing in the mental health and wellbeing of our young people has been a top priority of my administration. We have made significant investments in our schools, but we know that the approach must be more holistic. Our team works daily with experts and community partners and this grant will provide significant support in that effort.” McMahon continued, “The demographic supported by the Health Transitions Project is often overlooked and underserved, but thanks to this grant Onondaga County will continue its efforts to reach this population and help them during this important time in their life.” 

County Executive McMahon joined with Assemblyman John Lemondes, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and representatives from Anheuser-Busch at the Baldwinsville Brewery.

County Executive McMahon visited the Anheuser-Busch Baldwinsville Brewery with Assemblyman John Lemondes and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay. The Baldwinsville Brewery is an incredibly important part of our local economy. Thank you to the hardworking men and women who help ensure that the brewery remains the standard bearer of excellence in the Anheuser-Busch family.

County Executive McMahon at an Advanced Manufacturing Session with other County Officials.

County Executive McMahon joined officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S Department of Energy as well as non-profit and private sector leaders from across the country for a round table at National Association of Counties (NACo) to discuss advanced manufacturing and its future in our county.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides services to the nations 3,069 counties. Its membership totals more than 2,350 counties, representing more than 80-percent of the nation's population.

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, County Executive McMahon visited with students from Cathedral Academy at Pompei Elementary School and read the book "Duck for President". The best part of the visit for the County Executive was being surprised with a personalized thank you note from all the students!

County Executive McMahon Speaks at CenterState CEO Housing Forum

County Executive McMahon joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson to address existing needs and expected growth with housing in our region.

County Executive McMahon spoke about the county's newly updated Comprehensive Plan. The plan focuses on five areas: strong community centers, housing and neighborhoods, mobility, greenways and blueways and agriculture.

County Executive McMahon Announces Newest O-CHIP Recipients

County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the latest recipients of the Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program (O-CHIP) were awarded to Home HeadQuarters, Housing Visions and a Tiny Home for Good. The recent funds will create 114 new units throughout the City of Syracuse. In total, the county program is helping fund the construction of nearly 400 new market-rate housing units, covering a wide range of renters and buyers. The O-CHIP program has $10,000,000 available to be awarded to private sector and nonprofit developers to assist in closing funding gaps and stimulate investment in new construction.

County Executive McMahon said, "The primary goal was to ensure that we took a holistic approach to address the housing demand, but just as important, investing in a diversity of housing options to accommodate the current and future demand,” he said. “Especially right now, the lack of inventory is causing rents to increase at rapid rates. While growth is good, we do need to create levels of affordability.”

For more information on the O-CHIP Program/Application, please click below:

County Executive McMahon Welcomes LivAway Suites to Onondaga County



LivAway Suites is coming to Onondaga County. Their newest location will be in the Town of Dewitt.

County Executive Ryan McMahon said, " As a growing community, the need for more hotels is greater than ever. Onondaga County is already a hub for the medical and defense industries and as the future hub of memory technology for semiconductor manufacturing with Micron, the need will only grow. Just as important is the diversity in hotel options. Thanks to the investment being made by LivAway with their extended stay hotel. Onondaga County will be able to continue offering visitors, business professionals and others the high-quality, budget friendly options they are seeking."

County Executive McMahon and LeMoyne College President Linda LeMura Announces Expansion of ERIE21

County Executive McMahon joined LeMoyne College President Linda LeMura, LeMoyne Director of ERIE21 Amanda Delaney, Lafayette Central School District Superintendent Jeremy Belfield and Onondaga Central School District Superintendent Rob Price to announce the most recent expansion of the ERIE21 Project.

The ERIE21 project focuses on introducing middle school students to technology career courses such as coding, robotics, etc. and providing high school and undergraduate students with academic support that centers around college and career readiness. An ERIE21 LeMoyne Junior said, "ERIE21 has helped me a lot with my resume and getting involved on campus. I'm really grateful for this."

For more information on ERIE21, please click below:

County Executive McMahon is joined by Lafayette CSD Superintendent Jeremy Belfield, Director of ERIE21 Amanda Delaney, LeMoyne College President Linda LeMura and Onondaga CSD Superintendent Rob Price.

County Executive McMahon and Mayor Walsh Declare February 24, 2024 as

Jim Boeheim Day!

Mayor Ben Walsh, Hall of Fame Coach Jim Boeheim and County Executive Ryan McMahon

County Executive McMahon and Mayor Walsh presented a joint County and City proclamation to Hall of Fame Coach Jim Boeheim declaring February 24, 2024 as "Jim Boeheim Day" in Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse. Thank you Coach for a lifetime of memories and more than five decades of dedication to Syracuse!

County Executive McMahon, WEP Commissioner Shannon Harty, and MOST President Lauren Kochian

Onondaga County

Assistant Director of Veteran's Affairs Cindy Meili Wins Distinguished Citizen Award!

Onondaga County Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs and Award Winner Cindy Meili, Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, Director of Recreation and Public Programs Leiko Benson and Veteran's Service Alliance (VSA) President Anne-Marie Mancilla.

Onondaga County Assistant Director of Veteran's Affairs Cindy Meili was presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Central New York Recreation and Parks Society. She was nominated by the Onondaga County Parks Department for her volunteerism and extensive work with the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Onondaga County Parks Commissioner, Brian Kelly and Director of Recreation & Public Programs, Leiko Benson, as well as the VSA Director, Anne-Marie Mancilla, were on hand to inform Cindy of her award. 

Congratulations Cindy and thank you for all you do for Veteran's!

Baldwinsville Public Library's

 "Boat Launch"

The Baldwinsville Public Library held a "Boat Launch" inside the Children's Corner of the library. The canal boat was the final piece to the reimagination of the children's library, in honor of Maryella and Elizabeth Annal. The girls were lost to the world in the summer of 2020.

Besides the boat, there is a mural that depicts life on the Erie Canal back in the mid-1800's. The mural contains images of the Annal girls, so their presence will be felt and honored forever.

Mural honoring Maryella and Elizabeth Annal

Onondaga County

Office of Environment Team

Attends Conference

Our Onondaga County Office of Environment attended the Finger Lakes Research Conference at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Our team was able to learn about cutting-edge research being completed in and around the Finger Lakes as well as trends such as nutrient loading, agricultural best management practices and more.

The Orange and Olive in the Village of Baldwinsville is unrecognizable after a complete renovation!



Town of Marcellus

The Moondance Tavern received a fresh new front facade.

Village of Solvay

The Solvay Diner shows off a complete front exterior makeover.

Town of Pompey

The Pompey Mall in the Town of Pompey shows off some highly visible renovations.

Village of Camillus

This highly visible corner in the Village of Camillus shows off recent upgrades.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of six components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP, Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR), Cooling, and the Clean and Tune benefit.

For more information on eligibility or to apply, please click below:

For more information, please click below:

Downtown Syracuse Dining Week

March 1- March 14

Come experience the flavors and cuisines that have put Downtown Syracuse on the map as a dining destination!

Keeping with Dining Weeks tradition, restaurants will offer two-course lunches for $15 (or less), three-course dinner options for $40 (or less), and Sweets & Treats from participating businesses.

For more information and a list of participating restaurants, please click below:

Where will you be when the sky goes dark? Join us for a fun afternoon of astro-discovery in the path of totality, as we celebrate the 2024 Eclipse at Beaver Lake Nature Center. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, games, educational stations, commemorative photo ops, food vendors, music and so much more!

Solar viewing glasses will be provided.

Free with park admission ($5/vehicle)