A Message from the County Executive
Dear Friends,
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
October was filled with lots of exciting updates starting with the celebration of OCC's Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab completion and the opening of Micron's Downtown Syracuse Offices. The Cleanroom Simulation Lab will help our future workforce prepare for the unprecedented job growth expected in Onondaga County as we become the high-tech manufacturing hub for North America!
This month, I was honored to host Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee to discuss opportunities for companies in the semiconductor industry in our community as well as celebrate Taiwan National Day (Double Ten Day) by proclaiming October 10th as 'Taiwanese American Friendship Day' in Onondaga County. I also had the pleasure of joining students from West Genesee High School during their Participation in Government class to discuss how local government works and the exciting projects happening in our community.
Last week, I joined Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson and Director of Lead Operations Jessica Vinciguerra to kick off National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19th through October 25th. Throughout the week, our Lead Initiatives Team attended several educational outreach events all around our community and provided free lead testing opportunities. My administration remains steadfast in our efforts to fight lead poisoning in Onondaga County!
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
| | |
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual health campaign to increase awareness and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
To learn more about how you can participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, click below:
| | Onondaga County Department of Social Services-Economic Security Hosts 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale | | The DSS Child Support Services Team hosted the 3rd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale. The team raised an amazing $2,060 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Month! | | Halloween Spirit Takes Over DSS-ES! | | |
Everyone brought their A-game for the Department of Social Services annual Halloween decorating contest! From spooky scenes to clever themes, everyone showed amazing teamwork and department pride.
Congratulations to our Child Support Services Team for taking home the win this year! Events like this remind us that when we come together, great things (and great scares!) happen.
| | |
World Mental Health Day is October 10th and helps raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and provides an opportunity for us to remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
If you or someone you know are struggling, dial 988 to be connected to the support you may need or learn more about the resources available to you in our community, by clicking below:
| | |
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. DVAM evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country for a national effort to uplift the needs, voices and experiences of survivors.
To learn more about how you can participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, click below:
| | |
Onondaga County Participates in
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
| | |
Onondaga County participated in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by hosting a weeklong list of various events to raise awareness on lead poisoning prevention and education.
Founded in 1999, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), held October 20th to October 26th, is observed annually to raise awareness of lead poisoning, provide resources and reducing exposure and encourage preventative measures. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can affect brain development, behavior and learning and children under the age of six, pregnant individuals, persons of color and low-income families living in housing built before 1978 are disproportionally affected.
Onondaga County's lead initiatives bring together tested solutions and dedicated experts to support families in need to ensure every member of the community has easy access to programs, resources, partners and most importantly, local experts to help families reduce lead exposure and create healthy homes.
| | |
County Executive McMahon, Health Commissioner Dr. Katie Anderson and
Director of County Lead Operations Jessica Vinciguerra
| | Blood Lead Testing and Meet and Greet with Leo the Lion | | "Leading On LEAD" Community Event | | Free Resource and Networking Event for Independent Contractors and Construction Companies | | |
National Women's Small Business Month is observed every October to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women-owned businesses across our nation. The month serves to promote awareness of the challenges women-entrepreneurs face and to encourage more women to start their own businesses.
To learn more about National Women's Small Business Month, please click below:
| National School Bus Safety Week is an annual event held during the third full week of October each year to promote school bus safety. It serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility among drivers, students, parents, caregivers, educators and communities to ensure the safety of every child's journey to and from school. | | |
County Executive McMahon Announces
Phase 2 of the School Bus Safety Program
| | |
County Executive McMahon was joined by 12th District County Legislator Dave Knapp as well as the Superintendents from Lafayette, Onondaga Central and Tully School Districts to announce phase 2 of the school bus safety program!
Through installed stop-arm cameras, the Onondaga County School Bus Safety Program focuses on improving the safety and transportation of students riding the bus as well as reducing violations and collisions. Know the law, slow down and stop for school buses!
To learn more about the Onondaga School Bus Safety Program, click below:
| | |
County Executive McMahon Celebrates
Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month
| County Executive McMahon was honored to attend the Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month celebration hosted by Saint Anthony of Padua Church. It was a wonderful cultural celebration with amazing food and music. Onondaga County is fortunate to have such a vibrant Hispanic and Latino Community. | | Additional October Observances | | Italian American Heritage Month | | Filipino American Heritage Month | | County Executive McMahon Hosts Press Conference to Discuss Variety of Current Topics | | The 2026 Budget Officially Passed by the Onondaga County Legislature! | | County Executive McMahon Attends Wire-Cutting Ceremony for OCC Micron Simulation Lab Completion | County Executive McMahon had the pleasure of joining Micron Technology, Onondaga Community College and other local leaders to celebrate the completion of the OCC Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab. The Cleanroom Simulation Lab will help our future workforce prepare for the unprecedented job growth expected in Onondaga County as we become the high-tech manufacturing hub for North America! | | County Executive McMahon Welcomes Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to Onondaga County | | |
County Executive McMahon and the OCIDA Team were honored to welcome a delegation of Japanese companies led by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization).
The visit strengthened communication and collaboration with Japanese companies, while also demonstrating why Onondaga County is a superior location for future investment and expansion.
Our community's combination of a robust workforce development ecosystem, strong business community and investments by Micron Technology, show that the Central New York Semiconductor Cluster is growing!
| | |
County Executive McMahon Hosts
Taiwanese Ambassador
| | County Executive McMahon had a visit with Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee to discuss opportunities for companies in the semiconductor industry in Onondaga County. | | |
County Executive McMahon Attends
Taiwanese Flag Raising Ceremony
| |
In honor of Taiwan National Day (Double Ten Day), County Executive McMahon and City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh presented a proclamation at the Taiwanese Flag Raising Ceremony to local Taiwanese community members to proclaim October 10th as 'Taiwanese American Friendship Day.' This celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911.
| | |
County Executive McMahon and Dr. Anderson
Get Their Flu Shot!
| | |
Protect yourself from the flu this season! This month, County Executive McMahon and Onondaga County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson got their flu shots.
Call your doctor, go to your neighborhood pharmacy or click below to find vaccines near you!
| | |
County Executive McMahon Unveils
The Oncenter War Memorial Upgrades
| | County Executive McMahon unveiled brand new upgrades to the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial including a new sound system and seats as well as the all new Legacy Lounge. Come see a show or Syracuse Crunch game and check out the new amenities and awesome upgrades! | | County Executive McMahon Announces $2 Million Expansion at Petit Branch Library | | County Executive McMahon joined Onondaga County Public Libraries Executive Director Amanda Perrine to announce an exciting, over $2 Million expansion at Petit Branch Library! Petit Branch Library is one of the busiest libraries within the Onondaga County Public Library System (OCPL) and consistently circulates the most printed and digital materials to all of the city branches. The over 2,100 square-foot expansion will include building a new community room and additional amenities such as a kitchen and restrooms which will create an even better experience for our community! | | County Executive McMahon Judges Southwood Volunteer Fire Department Annual Chili Cook-Off | | County Executive McMahon had the pleasure of joining 11th District County Legislator Rich McCarron and other community leaders as a judge at the Southwood Volunteer Fire Department Chili Cook-off. Community members were able to enjoy delicious chili as well as check out the fire trucks and almost 40 raffle baskets. | |
|
County Executive McMahon Attends
PROTECT Act Press Conference
| |
County Executive McMahon joined State Senator Pam Helming and other local leaders to garner support for the Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation, Custody and Treatment (PROTECT) Act. The act aims to reform pretrial processes in New York State by implementing standardized risk assessments to evaluate defendants' potential danger to public safety before trial.
County Executive McMahon said, "Public Safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have as elected officials at all levels of government. It is also important that we support our partners in law enforcement by enacting common sense, meaningful criminal justice reforms such as the PROTECT Act."
| County Executive McMahon Attends Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Syracuse Columbus Monument | County Executive McMahon was honored to speak at the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Syracuse's Columbus Monument. For over ninety years, the Columbus Monument has stood proudly at the center of Columbus Circle as a symbol of exploration, discovery and a testament to the vibrant multicultural tapestry that defines Onondaga County. | Lights On The Lake Returns for 36th Season! | |
County Executive McMahon joined Onondaga County Parks, Wegmans and Galaxy Media Partners to announce the 36th year of Lights on The Lake and three brand new displays within the show!
Clues will be given on the Lights On The Lake Facebook page and within the digital guide for guests to find the new displays.
To learn more about Lights on The Lake or to purchase tickets, click below:
Please Note: A limited number of discounted advance-sale tickets are available using code LOLSANTA
| |
County Executive McMahon Speaks to
Rotary Club of Syracuse
| |
County Executive McMahon joined The Rotary Club of Syracuse to discuss all the exciting projects and initiatives happening in Onondaga County.
Established on June 1st, 1912, as Club Number 42 in the Rotary World. The Rotary Club of Syracuse, Inc. has been a stalwart presence in the Greater Syracuse community for over a century. Throughout its rich history, the Club has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service and has a long trail of great accomplishments in line with the best of Rotary's traditions.
| |
County Executive McMahon Celebrates
Opening of New Senior Dining Site
| County Executive McMahon joined the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services Team as well as folks from PEACE, Inc. to celebrate the newest senior dining site at Syracuse Community Connections! | Two of Onondaga County's Very Own Win Awards! | Congratulations to Troy Waffner, Director of the Onondaga County Planning Department, on receiving the Cooperator of the Year award for his work in Agriculture and Food Systems with CCE Onondaga. | Congratulations to Amy Crowley, a Program Monitor from Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services, on receiving the Cooperator of the award for her work with Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE Onondaga) 4H Local Summer Program. | Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is a collaboration between The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and The College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. It aims to put knowledge to work for economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being in New York state. CCE connects communities with research from Cornell University, providing resources and programming tailored to local needs and is present in every county and the five boroughs of New York City. |
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 10th 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 | |
Applications are Now Open for The
Onondaga County Poet Laureate!
*Calling all poets and spoken word artists in Onondaga County!
Applications are now open for the Onondaga County Poet Laureate, an honorary position that recognizes creative achievement and community impact through poetry and spoken word.
| | To learn more about Poet Laureate or to apply, click below: | | For a list of current job openings with Onondaga County, click below: | To learn more or make an appointment, click below: | |
| | |
Office of the County Executive
14th Floor John H. Mulroy Civic Center
Phone: 315-435-3516
| | | | | | |