A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbors:

April has been a very exciting month in Onondaga County! Earlier this month, we hosted a lively town hall in DeWitt, where residents filled the room eager to talk about the future of the former ShoppingTown property. With the county now poised to select a development partner, there’s a real sense of momentum and optimism around turning that long‑idle space into something vibrant and useful again.

We also welcomed an exciting milestone on the Inner Harbor waterfront: the announcement of the official name for our upcoming aquarium—Harborview Aquarium. Inspired by student input, the name reflects the sense of discovery and learning the facility aims to bring to families across Central New York. It’s another step toward building a destination that blends education, tourism, and community pride. Thank you to the Syracuse Academy of Science for hosting us for this exciting announcement!

That momentum continued into one of the brightest evenings of the year, the annual Pinwheel Ball. Supporters came together once again on behalf of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, filling the night with generosity, hope, and a shared commitment to protecting children in our community.

Meanwhile, the County and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo unveiled a refreshed partnership agreement that strengthens collaboration and lays the groundwork for future conservation and educational initiatives. For long-time zoo lovers and new visitors alike, it marks an exciting step forward for one of our region’s most beloved institutions.

Our community also paused for a heartfelt moment of reflection with the dedication of a new monument honoring Officer Michael Jensen and Lt. Michael Hoosock. Family members, colleagues, and residents gathered to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice. The monument – on Tipperary Hill – now stands as a peaceful place to remember, reflect, and honor their legacy.

And as we turn toward summer, we’re preparing for a truly special celebration—the 10th season of the Empower FCU Amphitheater. A full afternoon of family-friendly activities, music, special access areas, and behind-the-scenes experiences will mark a decade of concerts, community gatherings, and unforgettable summer nights on the lake. It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since the venue opened its doors—and even harder to imagine summer in Central New York without it.

Thank you for being part of everything that makes Onondaga County vibrant, resilient, and full of possibility. From new developments to cherished traditions, our community continues to grow together—and there’s plenty more to come.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Autism Awareness Month is an month-long campaign that aims to increase understanding, acceptance and support for individuals on the autistic spectrum. By raising awareness and educating communities, Autism Awareness Month plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of individuals with autism.



To learn more about Autism Awareness Month , click below:

Onondaga County Office Of The Environment Attends

"Party for the Planet"

In celebration of Earth Day, our Office of the Environment Team attended this year’s 'Party for the Planet' at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This annual event showcases dozens of environmental offices and groups to shine light on animal protection, nature conservation, and protecting the earth. This year, the event featured live animal demonstrations, “creature chats” highlighting endangered species, tours of the zoo’s green infrastructure and gardens, and plenty of nature-themed games and activities.

Our team was on hand to greet visitors and talk about Onondaga County’s many environmental programs that the Office is responsible for, including the County’s invasive species management programs, its work to achieve Bronze Certification in the State Climate Smart Communities initiative, partnering to improve the water quality of the County’s many waterbodies, and the return of wildlife to Onondaga Lake.

The event was a lot of fun and a great success in communicating Onondaga County’s initiatives to protect our natural environment! Learn more about the Onondaga County Office of Environment at onondaga.gov/environment/.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April to highlight the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect, supporting families and fostering safe environments for children.

Established in 1983, the month emphasizes that child maltreatment is preventable and that communities play a critical role in in protecting children.

To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month, click below:

Happy Telecommunicator Week to our

Great Team at Onondaga County 911!

April 2026 Observances

Month of Military Child

National Donate Life Month

National Library Week

Financial Literacy Month

County Executive McMahon Officially Names Aquarium But With A Little Help!

County Executive McMahon visited the Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School (SAS) to announce the official name of the aquarium will be: Harborview Aquarium. Two students at the SAS school submitted it, and they and their classmates will be among the first to visit the aquarium when it opens in a few months!

Watch the full announcement below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Special Monument Unveiling for Our Fallen Heroes

County Executive McMahon attended the unveiling of a special monument dedicated to Onondaga County Sheriff's Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen.

The County Executive thanked the Hoosock and Jensen families for allowing the community to grieve alongside them and to remember them once again on this somber anniversary. He said this monument will forever allow people to learn what true sacrifice and service looks like.

Thank you to the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood association for making this special event possible.

County Executive McMahon Attends Syracuse Crunch First Responders Jersey Unveiling

County Executive McMahon attended the Syracuse Crunch's First Responders Game jersey unveiling, where he presented Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelly with his very own jersey.

The Second Annual Officer Michael Jensen Memorial First Responders Game featured a first responders game between the Syracuse Police Department and Syracuse Fire Department and was capped off with a Syracuse Crunch 5-1 victory over the Utica Comets. We will never forget.

County Executive McMahon Announces Community Event To Celebrate 10th Season Of FCU Amphitheater!

County Executive McMahon announced a community wide celebration to recognize the 10th anniversary of the FCU Amphitheater. The celebration is set for Sunday, May 31 from 1pm-7pm. The free community event will offer unprecedented public access to venue, including live entertainment, backstage tours, VIP access and more.

County Executive McMahon, "Ten years ago, we opened these gates with a vision to bring world-class entertainment to Central New York. Now, we celebrate that vision becoming a reality by inviting our entire community - music fans, families, park users, everyone - to experience the venue like never before. This milestone belongs to all of us and this celebratory event is our way of saying thank you."

Event Details:

• What: Empower FCU Amphitheater 10th Season Community Celebration
• When: Sunday, May 31, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Where: Empower FCU Amphitheater, 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY
• Cost: Free admission, free parking Info: https://www.syrvenues.com/events/2026/community-celebration | @empowerFCUamp

County Executive McMahon Welcomes

Attendees to Helio Health's Integrated Care Conference

County Executive McMahon kicked off the Helio Health's Integrated Care Conference at The Oncenter. The conference aimed to emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare and had a theme of "Healing Beyond Diagnosis - Integrating Minds, Bodies and Systems." Attendees from across New York State spent time discussing and learning how to go beyond traditional symptom management and recognize that emotional wellbeing, lifestyle, community and environment all influence recovery and resilence.

County Executive McMahon Honors New York State Building Officials Conference With a Proclamation

As he welcomed attendees to this year's conference, County Executive McMahon officially proclaimed April 7, 2026 as "The New York State Building Officials Conference - Central Chapter, Inc., Day" in Onondaga County.

The organization was formally incorporated right here in Onondaga County in 1991 and is marking its 35th Anniversary this year. Their 275+ members represent all walks of the code enforcement community and its efforts, like the annual conference, push the core mission of enhancing the knowledge and skills of building officials through education.

County Executive McMahon Speaks

at NYSCAR Chapter Meeting

County Executive McMahon was honored to speak to the Syracuse Chapter of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors (NYSCAR) at the State Tower Building. The County Executive shared exciting updates on the Onondaga County housing market with local real estate professionals. He spoke about current and planned housing projects and how county programs are helping incentivize both developers and buyers.

The New York State Commercial Association of Realtors (NYSCAR) was chartered in 1995 as a commercial overlay board and was founded by commercial real estate practitioners who envisioned a dedicated board for professionals focused specifically on commercial real estate issues.

County Executive McMahon Speaks to

Marcellus High School Students

County Executive McMahon along with Village of Marcellus Mayor Chad Clark was invited to speak with students at Marcellus High School. They had a great discussion with students about our community, Micron and the many opportunities on the horizon for our young people to remain in Onondaga County or return after college and forever call Onondaga County home.

County Executive McMahon Attends

Ribbon Cutting for The Clerk's House

County Executive McMahon, joined by County Legislator Rich McCarron, Onondaga Supervisor John Mahar and several others, helped celebrate the opening of The Clerk's House at The Cider Mill in the Town of Onondaga. Between the County's Main Street Grant Program and private funding from the owners, this is an investment of over $82,000! That's local money in our local community. Congratulations!

Is your rental property in need of a makeover? The Vacant Rental Program (VRP) may be right for you! VRP is a rental rehabilitation grant program available for Onondaga County property owners that is aimed to help owners of rental properties bring vacant units and spaces in small-scale properties back into productive use to create safe, quality and affordable long-term rental units. You may be eligible for grants up to $50,000 or $75,000 per unit. Find out if you're eligible or apply today by scanning the QR code above or clicking the link below. For questions regarding the Vacant Rental Program (VRP), please contact Susan Boyle at 315-435-3558 x5810 or SusanBoyle@ongov.net.

https://onondaga.gov/cd/vacant-rental-program/ 

Homework Help

OCPL Provided Databases

Brainfuse HelpNow

Online test preparation, homework help, study aids, skill building, and live tutoring resource for children and adults.  

Gale OneFile: Educator's Reference Complete

Google is usually everyone’s go-to for research, but not all the results are accurate. Our library provides Gale OneFile collections to connect you to trusted, up-to-date content from leading magazines, newspapers and scholarly journals. These collections are easy to access, and with integrated tools, you can save, download and share.

K-8 Databases

A list of several databases that students in grades K-8 can use to assist with learning, school projects and more.

Online Learning Databases

Access to online learning opportunities including Brainfuse, LinkedIn Learning and more.

To learn more about Homework Help and other OCPL events, click below:

After-Hours Passport Application Appointments

Onondaga County Clerk Emily Essi Bersani is pleased to announce a pilot program offering after-hours passport application appointments. The extended hours are designed to accommodate residents who may have difficulty accessing services during standard business hours. The County Clerk’s office will offer appointments for passport applications from 4:00pm-6:00pm, every other Wednesday.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Office of the County Clerk at (315) 435-2227. Please be prepared to let us know how many applicants will be applying, and if you need photos taken. County Clerk staff will review a list of documents you must bring to the appointment.

*Please note this is for first-time applicants or applicants who do not qualify for a renewal only. If you need to renew a passport, please visit travel.state.gov.

FreshConnect Checks Programs For Veterans

For a list of current job openings with Onondaga County, click below: