A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

It’s been a snowy and chilly start to the New Year! I hope everyone is staying safe and warm!

2026 has started off in earnest as we celebrated a monumental milestone as Micron official broke ground on their leading-edge memory manufacturing complex. I was honored to join Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Senator Charles Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul and other distinguished guests to celebrate this historic event.

Earlier this month, I began my term as president of the New York State County Executives’ Association. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues from across the state in ensuring all our communities thrive and succeed.

I also had the pleasure of joining other community partners for the ribbon cutting of Child Care Solutions brand new headquarters. My administration has made historic investments towards child care, and this new facility will help better serve families throughout Onondaga County.

January has been a very busy month in County government. Below you will find additional updates and announcements made over the last month. 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,

Ryan

Each year, on the third Monday of January, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the person he was and the message he stood for. Martin Luther King Jr Day is the only federal holiday that is designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities. 

Dr. King was a civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent practices of protest and famously delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28th, 1963. He played a central role in ending segregation of Black Americans and the creation of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.

Former United States Representative John Conyers introduced legislation to create a federal holiday honoring Dr. King on April 8th, 1968, just four days after the civil rights leader's assassination. In 1983, after years of campaigning by members of Congress, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a U.S federal holiday in honor of Dr. King.



To learn more, click below:

January is National Blood Donor Month. The month is a time to celebrate the lifesaving contributions of blood donors and raises awareness for the ongoing need for blood, especially during winter months when supplies often dwindle.

Blood donation saves millions of lives each year, providing vital support for surgeries, cancer treatments and emergency care.

To learn more a National Blood Donor Month or to donate blood, click below:

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and promoting prevention efforts.

The theme for 2026 is "Stronger Connections, Stronger Futures," emphasizing the importance of strong relationships to protect against human trafficking. Various organizations and communities are participating in activities to educate the public and support survivors of trafficking.

To learn more about National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, click below:

January Observations

Onondaga County Lights Up Yellow in Honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Onondaga County illuminated County buildings in yellow on January 27th, 2026, to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Onondaga County joins community partners in honoring Holocaust victims and survivors.

County Executive McMahon said, "Onondaga County is honored to participate in International Holocaust Remembrance Day by lighting up our county buildings in yellow. It is my hope that it will also serve as a visual reminder that there is no place in our community for antisemitism or hate and as a tribute to all those lost during the atrocities of the Holocaust."

Micron Officially Breaks Ground!

County Executive McMahon joined Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Charles Schumer, Members of Congress and other distinguished guests as Micron Technology broke ground on their $100 billion leading-edge memory manufacturing complex at White Pines Commerce Park in Clay.

As the largest private investment in New York State history, Micron's Central New York project will help meet the growing demands of AI systems and devices that are crucial to the modern economy. With up to four fabs, this will be the largest semiconductor facility in the United States. The $100 billion project is anticipated to bring 50,000 jobs to Onondaga County.

County Executive McMahon said, "We are thrilled to welcome Micron to our community, and breaking ground is an exciting development in what is truly a generational opportunity for this area. For years to come, Onondaga County will be known as an epicenter for advanced, manufacturing and high-tech jobs. We welcome this transformative moment, thank Micron for the partnership and look forward to a bright future ahead."

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting of New Child Care Solutions Headquarters

County Executive McMahon joined other community partners to open the brand new headquarters for Child Care Solution, located at 1101 Erie Blvd East. Onondaga County has made historic investments to support and grow our local child care infrastructure and this new location will help Child Care Solutions better serve their clients and their child care needs.

Child Care Solutions is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1975 to provide information and resources to parents, providers, employers and community leaders in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties who seek solutions to their child care needs.

County Executive McMahon Begins Term as President of NYS County Executives' Association (NYSAC)

Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II officially began his term as president of the New York State County Executives’ Association (NYSCEA) this month during the group’s annual January meeting in Albany, held ahead of Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address.

NYSCEA, an affiliate of the New York State Association of Counties, represents the 19 counties in New York led by county executives, including New York City, serving more than 16 million residents statewide.

“I’m honored to serve as President of the NYS County Executives’ Association and to work closely with all of my esteemed colleagues from across the state,” McMahon said. “All of our counties are facing similar challenges, and this association provides an incredible opportunity to share knowledge, advocate for change, and ensure our communities thrive.”

McMahon has been widely recognized for his leadership in economic development, most notably for securing Onondaga County as the site of Micron Technology’s new semiconductor manufacturing facility. Announced in 2022, the $100 billion project at the White Pine site is expected to create 9,000 direct jobs and an estimated 40,000 supply-chain and construction jobs, establishing Central New York as a global hub for memory technology manufacturing.

“As counties continue to drive economic development, it’s critical that we also invest in the infrastructure that supports transformational projects and long-term growth,” McMahon said.

NYSAC President Phil Church praised McMahon’s leadership, saying, “His work on economic development and infrastructure investment reflects the forward-thinking approach counties need as we partner with the state to strengthen New York’s future.”

Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of NYSCEA, added, “President McMahon’s experience with major economic initiatives and fiscal responsibility positions him well to lead this association at a time when counties are being asked to do more than ever.”

County Executive McMahon Attends NYSCEA's Winter Meeting

Ahead of the Governor's State of the State address, County Executive McMahon joined elected officials from across the state to discuss key challenges such as federal funding freezes, cost shifts and chart a course forward to strengthen local governments and protect essential services.

County Executive McMahon Announces Completion of Public Art Project in Village of Camillus

County Executive McMahon announced the completion of a new mural at the Maxwell Memorial Library located in the the Village of Camillus. The project was funded by the Public Art Program by the county executive in 2023 in partnership with CNY Arts.

Library officials Jennifer Burke and Rena Brower worked with local artists Elliot Mattice and his partner Kathy Maio to establish a theme for the new mural. It was decided that the new mural would combine the library's role in promoting literacy and providing a safe, welcoming place for all.

County Executive McMahon said, "Investing in public art is an investment in ourselves as a community. We are fortunate to have a robust arts and culture scene here in Onondaga County and my administration is proud of the work we've done to support and grow this vital industry. The new mural at Maxwell Memorial Library is a perfect example of how public art can beautify something while also instilling pride in our community."

County Executive McMahon Attends

2026 State of City Address

County Executive McMahon was honored to attend Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens first State of City Address.

Mayor Owens and County Executive McMahon have a strong partnership and shared commitment of investing in housing, bolstering our workforce development efforts and ensuring that every member of our community can take advantage of the historic economic opportunity coming to Onondaga County!

County Executive McMahon Meets With

Atlantic Regional Administrator

County Executive McMahon recently had the pleasure of meeting with Matt Coleman, Atlantic Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Looking forward to continued partnership as we assist our small businesses in accessing both federal and local resources to promote growth and expansion.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that helps Americans start, build and grow small businesses through various programs and services.

Empire State Winter Games Are Almost Here!

County Executive McMahon joined Adirondack Mac as well as folks from The Community Bank and other members of the community to help carry the Empire State Torch through Syracuse as it makes its way to Lake Placid for the games!

The Empire State Winter Games are the Largest Olympic-Style Winter Sporting Event in the Northeast!

Onondaga County Parks and Galaxy Media Announce "Lights On The Lake"

Charity Nights Recipients

County Executive McMahon along with Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, Galaxy Media Partner presented checks to the recipients of the 2025-2026 Lights On The Lake Giveback Charity Nights. In total, $10,767 was raised and distributed. This year's recipients are:

• Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital
• HumaneCNY
• Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
• 22 Until There's None
• Syracuse Grows
• Operation Northern Comfort
• Sunshine Horses
• Restore Cny

Embrace Winter at Onondaga County Parks

To learn more and view winter guide, click below:

County Executive McMahon Submits Letter to Editor Regarding ICE In Onondaga County

January 23, 2026

To the Editor:

We have all seen the headlines and read the stories regarding the issue of immigration enforcement and the tactics used by ICE. They have caused a great deal of concern for many of us.

We have similarly seen headlines and stories that have suggested – either tacitly or implicitly – that as County Executive I have directed county employees and departments to support or engage with ICE here locally.

Let me be abundantly clear: this is not true.

We are a nation of laws. For decades, our department of probation has been required by New York State law to include the immigration status of an individual in a report that is provided to the court before sentencing. These are individuals who have been convicted of a crime other than entering the country illegally.

Probation does not “tip-off” ICE and they do not ride along with ICE indiscriminately picking up our neighbors. Our cooperation starts and ends as prescribed by New York State Law (Title 9 NYCRR Subtitle H Section 350.6)

I have been consistent and clear in my belief that those who are here illegally and have committed a crime should be deported. A position shared by those such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.

Onondaga County is a community full of legal immigrants and refugees. They are part of the fabric that makes this place so special. From day one, my administration has welcomed and embraced our New American and refugee communities. That support has not and will not ever waiver.

Sincerely,

Ryan McMahon

Onondaga County Executive

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. Beginning September 10^th 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: