A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends-

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

This month, I was honored to attend the Industry Strategy Symposium in Half Moon, California with our Economic Development Team. While there, we met with with business and government leadership and connected with companies that will be crucial to Micron's success in Onondaga County. I also was able to meet with Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who was one of the biggest contributors to the CHIPS Act. 

I also had the pleasure of joining Mayor Walsh and representatives from City and Sun Development to announce an exciting new hotel development project. This project will provide 245 rooms, a top floor restaurant, ballroom space and more right in the heart of Downtown and further prepare us for the historic growth that will be occurring here. 

During this month, our county departments have been busy working to provide our community with events such as our Office of Diversity and Inclusion's first One Stop Shop Program Meet & Greet and our Public Libraries Team 3^rd Annual Literacy Day with the Syracuse Crunch. Our county team continues to be committed to bettering our home and I am proud of the work they do every day. 

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

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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:

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, officially kicked off on January 29th and will last until the Lantern Festival on February 12th.

Each year the exact date differs as it's based on the cycle of the moon. Originating in multiple countries across east Asia, the holiday is filled with rich culture and tradition that centers around the hope for good fortune and prosperity. It is also an important occasion for spending time with family and to pay respects to ancestors and older family members.

This year it's all about the Snake! Based on ancient Chinese mythology, each year has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Snake symbolizes rebirth, regeneration and the pursuit of love and happiness.

Onondaga County Office of Diversity and Inclusion Host One Stop Program Meet and Greet

The Onondaga County Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted a One Stop Program meet in greet with the public. The One Stop Shop initiative is designed to identify, create and implement business solutions for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the construction and professional services industries.

To learn more about One Stop, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Industry Strategy Symposium 2025

County Executive McMahon and his Economic Develpment Team attended the SEMI 2025 Industry Strategy Symposium. At this event, the team learned more about the direction of the semiconductor industry, interacted with business and government leadership and connected with companies that will be crucial to Micron's success in Onondaga County.  

County Executive McMahon with Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Secretary Ross was one of the Architects of the CHIPS Act and is very excited about Micron's investment in Onondaga County.

County Executive McMahon Announces

New Hotel Project in Downtown Syracuse

County Executive McMahon joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and representatives from Sun Development to announce the Onondaga Hotel Project. The hotel will be located in the Convention District on the corner of South Warren and East Fayette.

The Onondaga Hotel will be part of the Hilton hotel chain’s Curio Collection, a brand of custom-built high-end hotels. It will feature 245 rooms, ground-floor retail space, second-floor retail space and a top-floor restaurant, bar and ballroom spaces.

County Executive McMahon said, "From our vibrant arts and culture scene to our award-winning music venues to our premier convention facilities, the hospitality and tourism industry has become a vital and growing part of our local economy. Further growth and success in this industry rely heavily on the quantity and quality of available hotel rooms and we are proud that the Onondaga County Hotel initiative helped make this project a reality."

Onondaga County Libraries and Syracuse Crunch Host Third Annual Literacy Games

On Monday, January 20th, Onondaga County Public Libraires (OCPL) and the Syracuse Crunch hosted the 3rd annual Literacy Game.

The game kicked off with Central Library patron Vivienne Lighton dropping the ceremonial puck and featured raffles for zamboni Rides and autographed pucks! Our OCPL team was joined by the Book Buddies group to give away free books donated by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County. In total, they handed out over 120 free books.

Onondaga County Libraries Unveils

First of Two New Vans

The Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) unveiled the first of two new library vans. The first van has been out making deliveries and pick-ups for all 30 county libraries. Our team came up with a slick looking design featuring a row of books on each side and while you may see them going from library to library currently, the community will get their first peek at this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade!

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting and Presents Proclamation to

 New Clay Eatery: Graze Craze

County Executive McMahon attended the ribbon cutting of a new eatery in Clay, Graze Craze and presented owners Christine Rawda and Colleen Rajkowski with a proclamation to commemorate the occasion.

Graze Craze is a pioneering concept in the grazing-style food category by offering artfully designed charcuterie boards and picnic boxes made with high-quality, fresh ingredients and creating a unique and memorable dining experience.

Owners Christine Rawda and Colleen Rajkowski and their team of "Grazeologists" curate boards that combine premium meats, cheeses, fresh produce and house-made accompaniments. Congratulations!

2024-2025 Onondaga County Parks Winter Guide

Onondaga County Parks Winter Photo Contest

The 7th annual event will run February 1-28, 2025 and is open to all photographers, ages 5 & up. Once again Syracuse City Parks is joining in on the fun. That means photographers can submit photos taken in all open Onondaga County Parks AND Syracuse City Parks!!

The contest is FREE to enter with prizes awarded in five categories:

Best Landscape - NEW!

Best Portrait

Best Winter Activity - NEW!

Most Artistic

People's Choice Award - selected by online public vote

All photos submitted must be taken between February 1-28, 2025. 

Photographers are limited to two final submissions.

Regular admission rates apply at all parks/locations, where applicable.

All photos must be submitted by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for prizes. 

Questions?? Contact us at parks@ongov.net. or click below for contest rules:

 Contest Rules

Enjoy Valentine's Day in Highland Forest

To purchase tickets, click below:

Employment Opportunities

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

February Blood Drive Dates and Locations

Blood & platelet donations create a flurry of hope for patients in need. More donors are needed this winter! When you come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, the Red Cross will send you a $15 e-gift card to a merchant you choose. Make your appointment to give hope: https://rcblood.org/4gLIElq

For a list of all February Blood Drive Dates and Locations, please click below: