A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbors:

March was another busy month for Onondaga County. From honoring the Syracuse University Men's soccer team on their National Championship, to celebrating Read Across America Day with some special friends at Most Holy Rosary School, Onondaga County continues moving in an upward trajectory. With that said, March is the month I have the honor of delivering the State of the County address.

Below are some of the highlights from the speech and other great stories that capture the essence of what it means to be a part of the fabric of Onondaga County. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and the official return of spring!

Sincerely,

Ryan

2023 State of the County

"While I will be forever proud of our response to the one hundred year pandemic, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you of some of the substantial progress we have made across county government as we worked to advance and implement our PIE agenda. And it is because of that progress, partnership and collaboration that I stand before you tonight to tell you we are tested, resilient and full of optimism because the State of our County has never been stronger as we prepare to meet OUR generations Erie Canal moment."

County Executive Ryan McMahon

Speech Highlights:

Heartbeat of Healthcare Scholarship Fund

Creation of $1.5 million County Scholarship fund;

Onondaga County residents who pursue nursing degrees at SUNY Upstate, St. Joseph's College of Nursing, LeMoyne, OCC or Bryant & Stratton are eligible;

Scholarships can be used to cover tuition and other related expenses.

Lead Crisis

Creation of Director of Lead Operations to lead County initiative to combat lead crisis;

Onondaga County will allocate $100,000 for lead hazard reduction in home of potential foster parents;

Creation of new "Lead it Go" program to provide services for children with elevated lead levels and a new mobile lead testing van to test children for lead paint poisoning.

Aquarium Update

Construction will begin this summer following the county's selection of C&S to design the state-of-the-art aquarium;

The state required environmental review of the project is nearly complete;

The Onondaga County Science, Environmental and Aquarium advisory Committee was created to develop ideas and strategies that will be presented to the design team.

Public Safety Agenda

"Persons in Crisis" Navigation Program to ensure calls made to 911 or 988 are answered by trained Mental Health Professionals;

$11 million investment into Stand Up Mental Health Clinics in our schools;

Increase of Probation patrols downtown and at Destiny USA Mall;

Support Sheriff Shelley and Sheriff's Office to increase patrols within the City of Syracuse.

Infrastructure Investments

Over the last 5 years, DOT has replaced or rehabilitated 20 bridges and paved or treated 672 miles of county roads and another 80 miles of roads this year;

Signed a contract with Verizon to finally end the digital divide, bringing broadband to our rural and working class neighborhoods;

WEP completed nearly $32 million in investments to replace aging infrastructure, build long-term sustainability and support current and future economic growth.

Early Childhood Initiatives

Over the past 4 years we have invested over $9 million in early childhood initiatives;

Increase of funding and growth opportunities with the Early Childhood Alliance to support programs such as Help me Grow and Talking is Teaching;

Continued collaboration with Child Care Solutions who have been a critical partner in developing quality and affordable childcare options for our parents.

Current Events

County Executive Ryan McMahon joined by Mayor Ben Walsh to honor Syracuse Men's Soccer 2023 National Championship

County Executive Declares March 3, 2023 as Syracuse Men's Soccer Team Day!

County Executive Ryan McMahon and Mayor Ben Walsh along with the Syracuse community came together to honor the Syracuse University Men's Soccer team on winning the programs first ever National Championship. The Orange defeated Indiana University 7-6 in a penalty kick shootout. Goalkeeper Russell Shealy was named 2022 Men's College Cup Defensive Outstanding Player, while Nathan Opoku earned 2022 Men's College Cup Offensive Outstanding Player. Head Coach Ian McIntyre in his 13th season guided the team to a 19-2-4 record, the 19 wins are the most in school history and earned him National Coach of the year honors.

"Enjoy this amazing experience, take these memories of this team and cherish them for a lifetime." County Executive Ryan McMahon said.

County Executive reads to his son Andrew's class at Most Holy Rosary

Read Across America Day

County Executive Ryan McMahon celebrated "Read Across America Day" with son Andrew and his Kindergarten class at Most Holy Rosary School. Read Across America is an annual event created by the National Education Association to spread awareness and encourage children and youth in all communities across the United States to read! It is celebrated every March 2nd to coincide with Dr. Seuss's Birthday. Onondaga County is lucky to have great partners in our efforts to bolster literacy in our children including Early Childhood Alliance and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. To learn more about these great organizations, click below.

Early Childhood Alliance

Imagination Library

County Executive Announces Line-Up for Jazz Fest 2023

County Executive Ryan McMahon joined festival organizers to announce music icons Gladys Knight and Herbie Hancock will headline the 2023 National Grid Jazz Fest in Downtown Syracuse. This year's festival will run Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday June 25. Other featured acts include Tower of Power, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Tuba Skinny, Spyro Gyra, Joe Magnarelli and many others. For more information and updates click on the link below:

2023 Syracuse Jazz Fest

Micron Update

Long before Micron announced its historical investment in Onondaga County, County Executive Ryan McMahon touted the impact this company (Micron) would have on the community. Though shovels won't be in the ground until later this year and the actual facility is years away, Micron is already building a strong foundation. Micron is committed to creating the workforce of the future by investing in the community. Micron is focused on providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations and increasing STEM education to create a lasting social impact. Some examples include:

Micron will invest $10 million over 10 years towards the first collaborative STEAM school in Onondaga County;

Introducing Chip Camp, a no-cost STEM education program for local middle and High school students. Activities will be taught by the Micron team and students will learn how semiconductors are made and how STEM skills translate to careers with Micron;

$500k investment in the MOST to launch a semiconductor exhibit to expand access to STEM;

$500K funding for the YMCA to expand access to early childcare programming, camps and after school programming;

$5 million to Onondaga Community College to build a state-of-the-art Clean room to help train students become Micron Technicians.

Clear Path for Veterans Syracuse Office Ribbon Cutting

County Executive Ryan McMahon joined representatives from Clear Path for Veterans for a ribbon cutting to formally open their new Central New York office located at 126 North Salina Street in Downtown Syracuse.

Established in 2011, Clear Path for Veterans offers a wide variety of activities, including the Warrior Reset Program, which delivers empowering self-help options, and Dogs2Vets, which matches shelter dogs with veterans to aid in developing coping mechanisms for reintegrating into the community. Clear Path's mission is to help active military, veterans, and their families manage the transition back into civilian life. For more information on this amazing organization, please click below:

Clear Path for Veterans

County Executive Ryan McMahon speaking at NYSAC Legislative Conference

County Executive Ryan McMahon attends

2023 NYSAC Legislative Conference

County Executive Ryan McMahon attended the 2023 New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) annual Legislative Conference in Albany. The County Executive along with County Director of Economic Development Robert Petrovich gave the keynote address on Leadership Driving Economic Development. The address focused on the process, efforts, collaboration, and work done by local officials in Onondaga County to land the largest economic development deal in history with Micron. Local leaders know best the assets, quality of life, and benefi\\ts of doing business in their respective communities. This project was many years in the making but the one constant was the belief in this community. For more information about NYSAC, please click below:

County Executive Ryan McMahon speaks after receiving Elected Official Award

County Executive and

County Parks Win Regional Awards

Congratulations to County Executive Ryan McMahon and County Parks staff Art Kiggins, Megan Ball and Dale Grinolds for winning 2023 Central New York Recreation and Parks society awards. The County Executive was named Elected Official of the Year for his many contributions on behalf of the residents of Onondaga County, in the interest of recreation, parks, conservation and community service. Art Kiggins was honored with the Stewardship Award, Megan Ball the Tom White Memorial award and Dale Grinolds was the recipient of the esteemed David Guokas Memorial Award, the highest honor given by the society for his significant contributions to the advancement of the leisure field and active participation in community service. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

Art Kiggins, Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, Dale Grinolds and Megan Ball

Onondaga County Announces Next Round of Main Street Grants

County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the Town of Manlius as the next Main Street Grant Recipient. These grants are designed for local revitalization efforts to grow the retail business district. A main street in a village, business district in a town or streetscapes in a hamlet are all eligible for these grants. The goal of these grants is to strengthen the economic vitality of traditional Main Streets and neighborhoods throughout Onondaga County. Some of the projects the Town of Manlius plans to focus on include: