A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

Happy February! I hope you’re finding opportunities to enjoy the winter season. Like many of you, I’m also looking forward to the change ahead—spring officially begins in less than a month.

Significant progress continues each day at our new aquarium, and we remain on track to open this summer. This month, we are inviting children across the county to help us choose its name. All school districts have been notified about the process and we are excited to hear their suggestions!

Below you will find a link to the announcement video, where I also shared some of the aquatic life that will soon call our aquarium home, as well as a link to the aquarium’s brand‑new website.

The historic Micron project continues to move forward. We have considerable work ahead in the coming months, yet there is also much to acknowledge and celebrate. Site clearing has already been completed at the Micron campus in Clay.

I am also excited to share that The Syracuse Crunch have secured victories in seven of their last eight games, and the latest concert announcements for the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview signal that summer is quickly approaching!

Below you will find out more about what your team in county government did this month. As always, it is an honor to serve as your County Executive. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Black History Month is a month-long commemoration of African American history and achievement that takes place every February.



February was officially declared as Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. The origins of the month can be traced to the establishment of Negro History Week which was first observed in 1926. The week was launched by African American scholar and Black Studies pioneer Carter G. Woodson.



To learn more, click below:

County Executive McMahon Announces

Aquarium Naming Contest!

County Executive McMahon was joined by Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) President Lauren Kochian, local school officials and students to announce a naming contest for the new aquarium. Students from across Central New York are invited to submit creative names. The contest aims to capture both the excitement of the aquariums late summer opening and runs through March 20, 2026.

County Executive McMahon said, " We're looking for potential names that capture both the excitement of visiting and meaningful learning that happens inside that facility. The naming could highlight our regional pride, the mysteries of aquatic life or just make someone smile and say, that sounds like a place that I would like to visit."

To learn more about the aquarium and the naming contest, click below:

County Executive McMahon Aquarium Video

February is American Heart Month. The month is a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health.

American Heart Month was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to encourage Americans to prioritize heart health and take preventative measures against cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.

To learn more about American Heart Month, click below:

Celebrating the Lunar New Year: Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse

The Lunar New Year has arrived, ushering in the dynamic and spirited Year of the Fire Horse.

Observed across many East Asian countries, the holiday—also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival—officially began on February 17, launching weeks of vibrant celebrations around the world. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the Lunar New Year centers on themes of renewal, good fortune, and prosperity. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year.

Each new year is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, adventure, and forward momentum. The Fire Horse, in particular, is known for its boldness and passion, bringing a sense of excitement and possibility to the year ahead.

To learn more about the Lunar New Year, click below:

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. The annual observance is dedicated to educating the public about ways to prevent cancer and promote healthier lifestyles. It emphasizes that while not all cancers can be prevented, many cases (approximately 40%) are linked to modifiable behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive sun exposure.

The American Association for Cancer Research officially launched National Cancer Prevention Month in 2014 to highlight preventative strategies and empower individuals to take control of their health.

To learn more about National Cancer Prevention Month, click below:

Watch County Executive McMahon Interview With TalkCNY by Centerstate

County Executive McMahon Hosts

Fireside Chat With Japanese Ambassador

County Executive McMahon and the National Association of Counties (NACo) Foreign Investment and Innovation program hosted Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada for a Fireside Chat that explored the essential role of local-level engagement in strengthening the U.S.–Japan alliance. The discussion emphasized how counties and other local governments help advance bilateral cooperation through international investment, advanced manufacturing collaboration, global economic development efforts, subnational diplomacy, and cultural exchange initiatives.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides services to the nations 3,069 counties. Its membership totals more than 2,350 counties, representing more than 80-percent of the nation's population.

County Executive McMahon Honors Retiring Syracuse University Associate Athletic Director Herm Frazier With a Proclamation

County Executive McMahon celebrated the retirement of long time Syracuse University Athletics Administrator Herman Frazier this week by proclaiming ‘Herman Ronald Frazier Day’ in Onondaga County. He’s been with SU for the last 18 years.

Athletics has always been in Herm’s blood: from his early days as a student at Arizona State University where he was a member of their 1977 National Champion track team, to being on the U.S. National Track & Field Team and winning gold and bronze medals at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics, to his impactive career with several collegiate sports programs. He was once named by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Sports.

Through Herm’s leadership, mentorship and community advocacy, he has left a lasting impression on our CNY community and established a standard of excellence that will be felt for generations.

County Executive McMahon Speaks To

Rotary Club of DeWitt

County Executive McMahon spoke with members of the Rotary Club of DeWitt, focusing on Micron’s arrival and what it means for the region. "He highlighted several priorities, including efforts to bring supply‑chain partners to the region, the need for infrastructure upgrades, and preparing the local workforce for Micron‑related construction.”

He also emphasized the county’s growing housing needs and outlined the O‑CHIP housing program, which encourages private-sector investment to expand the local housing supply. The initiative is designed to help the community keep pace with economic growth and support the workforce that new development will require.

County Executive McMahon Attends Skaneateles American Legion Fundraiser and Ribbon Cutting for " The Munro"

County Executive McMahon attended the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239 Operation Christmas Hope Fundraiser at The Munro, joining hundreds of community members in support of this amazing cause.

He also helped mark a new milestone for the venue by cutting the ribbon on its recent renovation—made possible in part through the Onondaga County Hospitality and Tourism Initiative. 

To learn more about the history of "The Munro", click here:

Homes and Community Renewal

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/ 

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

Charity Nights Recipients

County Executive McMahon along with Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley and Galaxy Media Partners 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:

Extreme Makeover:

Onondaga County Winter Edition

“These revitalization efforts across the county were made possible through support from the County Executive’s Municipal Grant Program, the Main Street Program, and the Community Development Block Grant Program.”



2520 S. Salina Street has sat vacant for nearly 20 years. This recently completed project adds 8-4 bedroom units to our much needed housing stock!

Salvation Army on S. Salina Street shows off new window improvements courtesy of Main Street program.

The rehabilitated commercial office building at 2500 Brewerton Road in the Town of Salina is adding new appeal to the Mattydale corridor.

The new portico at Holbrook Heating and Cooling was courtesy of the Main Street 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: