A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbors:

Earlier this week, our community came together to commemorate Memorial Day. While the long weekend often signals the unofficial start of summer, it is first and foremost a solemn moment to honor the men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I once again attended the county’s service at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where I had the privilege of speaking with our Gold Star families and hearing the stories of the loved ones they lost. Their strength and devotion remind us of the profound cost of the freedoms we enjoy. As our country marks its 250th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the fact that America’s greatness has always been secured by those willing to defend it. The liberties and way of life we cherish exist because generations of service members answered the call.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the outstanding teams at Onondaga County Parks and the Veterans Service Agency for ensuring the cemetery looked exceptional and the service was meaningful and dignified.

This month I joined members of our Economic Development team at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to spread the word about Onondaga County and all we have to offer. The event was attended by thousands of people from across the globe and I’m happy to say our booth was one of the busiest! The word about Micron coming is out and I personally spoke with officials from multiple companies who are interested in being part of our supply chain community. Our Central New York Semiconductor Cluster is really gaining traction. Stay tuned for more exciting news on this front!

We are making BIG progress on the new Harborview Aquarium and this month, we officially introduced the Executive Director: Jonathan Nevitt, who formerly managed the St. Louis Aquarium. We also announced more of the soon-to-be residents of the aquarium, including:

• Moon Jellies: they don’t have brains, hearts or bones, yet have survived longer than dinosaurs
• Giant Pacific Octopus: which have three hearts, blue blood, and brains so complex that two-thirds of its neurons live in its arms - and each arm can taste, touch, and think semi-independently
• Asian Small-Clawed Otters: small, sleek, and built for the water, these adorable otters are native to the fresh waters of Southeast Asia

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – so it’s a good time to remember that mental health matters and can affect all of us at any time. I am proud that my administration has invested more than $25 million to expand mental health programs in our schools, and it’s making a real difference for our young people. Life can be challenging at any age. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust or call 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

May was a busy month, and June promises to be, too. As summer begins, please take time to get outside and enjoy all Onondaga County has to offer! Whether in your own neighborhood and communities, or at one of many county parks, summer is perhaps the best season of them all here in Central New York.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Honoring Memorial Day

County Executive McMahon joined Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency and other members of our community at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery to honor and express our profound gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. We thank you. We honor you. We remember you.

For more information about our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, please read the press release below:

Memorial Day Parades

County Executive McMahon and members of the County Team were honored to walk in the villages of Camillus, Minoa and Jordan Memorial Day parades. Following Minoa's parade he spoke at the Village Hall where he reminded everyone that America would not be celebrating its 250th anniversary this year had it not been for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country - and we must always remember and honor them.

County Executive McMahon Named

"Distinguished Citizen of the Year"

County Executive McMahon was honored to be named "Distinguished Citizen of the Year" by Scouting America, Longhouse Council. The Council said they selected the County Executive due to "his commitment to supporting community organizations that help our youth."

The Distinguished Citizen Award is an annual honor presented by Scouting America councils to recognize individuals who exemplify the ideals of Scouting through leadership, service and strong community values.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Founded in 1949 by Mental Health America, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental well-being, education, reducing the stigma and promoting support for those affected by mental health conditions. Each year, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources.

To learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month, click below:

May is Older Americans Month. The month honors the contributions, resilience and wisdom of older adults while highlighting the importance of supporting their health and independence. Established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the observance recognizes the achievements of older Americans and encourages communities to provide resources and support healthy aging.

To learn more about Older American Month, click below:

County Executive McMahon Speaks

At Senior Luncheon Celebration

County Executive McMahon joined the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services for the annual Senior Celebration Luncheon. Those honored include:

• Senior Citizen of the Year: Patrick Hogan
• Caregiver of the Year: Margret Bowman
• Serving Seniors Award: Patrick VanBeveren of Empower Parkinson, Inc.
• Special Recognition: Deborah Willis

To all our older residents - thank you for being part of our community!

May 2026 Observances

Asian American and Pacific Islander

Heritage Month

Military Appreciation Month

National Police Week

Public Works Week

County Executive McMahon Attends Positive Growth Daycare Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

County Executive McMahon joined other elected officials and community leaders for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Positive Growth Day Care's new location within The Well of Hope Church on South Ave. Every expanded space means vital new child care spots for Onondaga County Families.

County Executive McMahon Attends Local Foster Parents Appreciation Dinner

May is Foster Care Awareness Month. County Executive McMahon celebrated local foster parents at the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services appreciation dinner at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Foster parents not only open their homes but change the lives of children and provide hope for the future. Being one benefits the foster parent, too.

To Learn more about Foster Care, click below:

County Executive McMahon Throws Out First Pitch

At "New Field of Dreams" at Carrier Park

County Executive McMahon threw out the first pitch following a ribbon cutting at the Syracuse Challenger Baseball's all-new Field of Dreams at Carrier Park. The organization is the nation's largest and longest-running baseball league for individuals with special needs and provides opportunities for both children and adults to play baseball in a relaxed setting where everyone, regardless of age or ability, has an opportunity to create friendships around the team sport of baseball.

County Executive McMahon said the new Field of Dreams is the result of "an inspiring partnership by very special families and all levels of government from the Town of Dewitt to the Onondaga County team to NYS. This is a special facility and I encourage all to visit."

Watch County Executive McMahon Introduce Harborview Aquarium Executive Director, Jonathan Nevitt!

County Executive McMahon Reads to 2nd Grade Class at HW Smith Elementary School

County Executive McMahon was honored to once again be a guest reader for the second grade team at HW Elementary School. The students expressed their excitement for the Harborview Aquarium through numerous thoughtful and important questions.

County Executive McMahon Speaks at "Uniting Public Health Conference"

County Executive McMahon was honored to speak at the the "Resilience and Action in Central New York - Uniting Public Health" Conference. He emphasized, "We are stronger when we work together." The event highlighted the latest partnership between the Onondaga County Health Department and the Upstate News Public Health Program.

County Executive McMahon said, "Public health agencies bring real-world experience, community relationships, and a direct understanding of the challenges facing residents every day. Academic institutions bring research, innovation, education, and the ability to help prepare the next generation of public health leaders. When those strengths come together, communities benefit."

County Executive McMahon and OCIDA Team Attend SelectUSA Investment Summit

County Executive McMahon and the OCIDA Team headed to National Harbor, Maryland for the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit! This annual event is an opportunity for site selectors, companies, international partners, government entities and industry experts looking to facilitate business investment to connect. While there, our team connected with international companies that are interested in knowing more about the historic growth and business opportunities in Onondaga County!

The OCIDA team continues to build our community's momentum by strengthening existing global partnerships and exploring new opportunities to bring to Onondaga County as we continue to establish the Central New York Semiconductor Cluster. Learn more about the SelectUSA Investment Summit by visiting www.selectusasummit.us/.

To watch highlights from the SELECTUSA Investment Summit, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends

Syracuse Fire Department Graduation Ceremony

County Executive McMahon was honored to attend Syracuse Fire Departments graduation ceremony held at Onondaga Community College. 19 recruits were sworn in as firefighters and will begin serving our community. We wish you a long, rewarding and safe career. Congratulations!

County Executive McMahon Honors Morse Manufacturing for Being Named " Exporter of the Year"

County Executive McMahon helped honor Morse Manufacturing for being named U.S. Small Business Administration Syracuse District Exporter of the Year! Headquartered in Syracuse, the company exports to more than 55 countries and continues expanding its international reach through quality products, strong leadership and strategic growth. Congratulations to the entire team at Morse!

County Executive McMahon Visits

Village of Baldwinsville for a Big Announcement!

County Executive McMahon visited the Village of Baldwinsville and was joined by County Legislator Brian May and Mayor Bruce Stebbins for a big announcement. The village is receiving more than $250,000 through the county's Main Street grant program to fund improvements at six local businesses. One of the projects is the redevelopment of the former VFW site on Salina Street. Once complete, the building will house a multi-use indoor/outdoor space with bocce courts, lounge area and event space. Since 2019, the Main Street program has spurred nearly $2.5 million in investment in Baldwinsville!

County Executive McMahon Attends McFarland Johnson New Office Ribbon-Cutting

County Executive McMahon attended the grand opening ribbon-cutting for the McFarland Johnson new Syracuse office. Led by David Smith and Jason Kantak, the Syracuse team will provide multidisciplinary services including highways, bridges, multimodal infrastructure, civil and site development, facilities, aviation, planning, environmental, and construction phase services. Congratulations!

Deputy County Executive

Robert Petrovich Honored With Award!

Deputy Onondaga County Executive Robert Petrovich was named the Robert T. Dormer Economic Developer of the Year Award from the New York Economic Development Council. Bob was selected for his extraordinary leadership in advancing transformational economic development projects that have reshaped the economic future of Onondaga County and New York State.

County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "Under Bob's leadership, we have secured dozens of major projects -- including transformative investments such as Micron's $100 billion semiconductor campus, Amazon's $400 million distribution facility and TTM Technologies $120 million expansion -- that demonstrate how our vision, combined with Bob's disciplined execution, is reshaping the regions economic future."

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: