A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

This past year will be remembered as the year, Onondaga County officially put its name on the map. Last October our future changed forever with the announcement of Micron's historic investment in Onondaga County. We are on a path for growth and success that we haven't seen in generations.

The momentum and advancement made in 2023 continued in the start of the New Year. From investments in our agricultural community to establishing Central New York as North America's Memory Manufacturing hub.

Below you will find events, accomplishments and announcements made throughout the month that coincide with our continual growth and evolution. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and I wish you continued success in 2024!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.



Sincerely,

County Executive McMahon is sworn in by Syracuse City Judge Rory McMahon. He is joined by his parents and youngest son, Andrew.

County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II was sworn in for his second full term by Syracuse City Court Judge Rory McMahon. The County Executive spoke about his administration's continued investment into our PIE platform including initiatives to address poverty, infrastructure, and economic development. He emphasized the county's commitment to addressing lead issues facing our neighborhoods, increasing mental health services in schools, upgrading roads, water and sewer systems, and implementing the new comprehensive plan.

Over the next four years, County Executive McMahon expects county business to be stimulated by Micron's historical investment.

"You're going to be seeing large public sector investments, private sector investments, people coming into the community, more housing, more town center driven developments happening and with that more amenities, right?" McMahon said. "We're going to be competing for talent, and we're going to need to continue to reinvest back in the community for the things that make us unique and the things that the community wants. Quality of life is really important for the retention of job talent."

County Executive McMahon announced that applications for the Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program are now available. Ensuring that we embrace and make strategic investments in our agricultural community is one of the five main components of the recently adopted County Comprehensive Plan, Plan Onondaga. Agritourism, in particular, is an area that is prime for investment and growth.

County Executive McMahon said, " Our strong agricultural community, including the many agritourism destinations, are a critical component to what makes the quality of life so special in Onondaga County. While the economic benefits of agritourism are important, it also helps promote farm viability and allows visitors a unique, hands-on educational experience." McMahon continued, " I am excited to see what new and exciting opportunities are proposed and remain steadfastly committed to ensuring that we have a strong agricultural community in Onondaga County."

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please click below:

County Executive McMahon and our Economic Development Team continued to support the development of Micron's historical investment in Onondaga County by attending the Industry Strategy Symposium.

Throughout the week, County Executive McMahon and our team met with supply chain companies that will support Micron's operations and invest in our community. This conference is another step in establishing Central New York as North America's Memory Manufacturing hub!

County Executive Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Chief Diversity Officer, Monica Williams and Executive Director of the Human Rights Commision, Montanette Murphy

County Executive Ryan McMahon, along with Onondaga County Chief Diversity Officer, Monica Williams presented the Onondaga County 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Award to Motanette Murphy.

Montanette embodies the principles and the commitment of Dr. King's teachings not only through her role with Onondaga County but also as a community member. Montanette constantly demonstrates her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She meets with representatives from community groups/organizations, businesses, and other government agencies to increase community understanding and awareness of the goals and objectives of the Human Rights Commision.

Congratulations Montanette!

County Executive Swears in

2024 GSAR Board of Directors

County Executive McMahon had the honor of swearing in the new Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors (GSAR) Board of Directors. GSAR is Central New York's leading real estate organization - providing access to home listings, real estate resources, services, tools and education, and superior service.

County Executive Announces Special Olympics Winter Games Returning to Syracuse

County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the Special Olympics Winter Games will return to Syracuse on February 24 and 25, 2024. More than 500 athletes and coaches from across the state are set to compete in four different sports: alpine skiing, figure skating, snowshoeing, and floorball. Area venues hosting the State Winter Games are: The Oncenter (Floorball, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing), Thornden Park (Snowshoe) and Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial (Figure Skating).

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County is proud to partner, once again, with our friends at Special Olympics New York. Hundreds of the best athletes, along with their friends and family, will compete in what will surely be the best Winter Games yet! I encourage our community to come out and support these amazing athletes and I wish all of them the best of luck.”

VOLUNTEERS NEDED!

Special Olympics New York is looking to fill 300 volunteer jobs to support the event. For more information on volunteering individually or as a group, please click below:

Lights On The Lake Gives Back

The 2023-2024 season of Wegmans' Lights On The Lake welcomed 41,189 vehicles to the annual holiday lights display. Along with great attendance, the show also raised $15,596 for local charities. Representatives from the local charities received the checks from Lights on the Lake during a check presentation on January 29, 2024. 

The breakdown of the local donations are as follows:

Opening Night (11/13)- $1,553 (Party Princesses of CNY)

Doggy Drive Thru (11/14)- $2,694 (Humane CNY)

Charity Week (1/8)- $3,030 (Second Chance Adoption Center)

Charity Week (1/9)- $898 (Guiding Eyes for the Blind)

Charity Week (1/10)- $1,280 (LAUNCH)

Charity Week (1/11)- $1,697 (Bailey’s Boutique)

Charity Week (1/12)- $3,444 (St. Patrick’s Hunger Project)

Lights on the Lake 5K: Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital: $1,000 plus hundreds of new, unwrapped toys

Thank you for all the great work you do for our community!

Brady Farm Named Conservation Farm of the Year

County Executive McMahon had the honor of presenting Brady Farm with the 2023 Conservation Farm of the Year Award. Brady Farm is a project of the Brady Faith Center, an urban farm striving to feed bodies, minds, and souls in our community. They use organic methods to grow vegetables and fruits on five acres of vacant land in Syracuse.

Since its start in 2016, the Brady Farm has become a huge part of our county's agricultural community including their longstanding involvement in the Onondaga County On Farm Fest. The Brady farm holds itself to the highest standard by following conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs) and hosting workshops for the public to learn more about their practices.

Congratulations Brady Farm!

For more information or to visit Brady Farm, please click below:

New Senior Dining Site opens in Kirkville

The Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long-Term Care celebrated the opening of a new senior dining site at the North Manlius United Church. This new site is dedicated to serving seniors in the Minoa, Bridgeport, and Kirkville areas. The Senior Adult Ministry will serve lunch every Tuesday at noon. To register, call 315-470-3331.

For more information about services and programs offered through Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care, Please click below:

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo announced Snow Leopard Days. Admission prices will be reduced through February 28, 2024!



Onondaga County Well Represented at New York Public Welfare Association Winter Conference

The New York Public Welfare Association (NYPWA) held its winter conference, January 23-26 in Albany, NY. Several Onondaga County team members attended the conference and took part in various seminars. Topics discussed included: child welfare caselaw reviews, child support caselaw updates, and ways to maximize the quality and effectiveness of social welfare policies in New York State.

Onondaga County Commissioner of Social Services, Sarah Merrick, was honored at the NY Public Welfare Association's (NYPWA) Conference in recognition of her outstanding leadership as President of the New York Public Welfare Association over the past year. She swore in the new president of NYPWA, Rensselaer County Commissioner of Social Services, Michael McMahon.

Commissioner Merrick served as the NYPWA President for the past year. We are proud of Commissioner Merrick and all her accomplishments!

Congratulations Sarah!

Kelly Varamogiannis, DCFS Deputy Commissioner of Child Welfare and Rachel Storm-Heasley, DSS Director of Staff Development lead a training.

Other Onondaga County team members who attended the conference include:

Executive Deputy Commissioners of DSS: Monica Brown and Jennifer Robinson

Director of Medicaid: Regina Maloney

Director of Child Support: Lorraine Korkus

Deputy Commissioner of DCFS: Megan Rooney

Commissioner of DCFS: Amy Cunningham

Director of Quality Assurance: Erin Gessini

Solvay Bank in the Village of Camillus received a fresh new makeover.



Village of Marcellus

The American Legion in the heart of the Village of Marcellus has a beautiful new entrance way.

Town of Geddes

Businesses along State Fair Blvd. in Geddes show off new facades.

Village of Fayetteville

With the growth of Canal Landing Park in the Village of Fayetteville, additional parking is now available.

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:

Onondaga County Soil and Water Tree Sale

County Parks Photo Contest

For more information and the complete list of contest rules, please click below or call (315) 451-7275.