A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

This month 'March Madness' was in full effect! The month kicked off with a County Career Fair in our Emergency Services Department as well as our County Parks Team receiving multiple awards for their work in Parks and Recreation. I am so proud of the hard work and progress being made in our county every day! 

I had the honor of presenting the 2024 State of the County Address this month where we highlighted some of the tremendous progress we have made this past year, as well as our vision for next year and beyond. We are investing in our youth and their safety in schools. We are investing in our infrastructure and building up our community through programs and tools like OCHIP, Mainstreet and OCIDA. Part of our success has been through the partnerships we have built and continue to make. 

This month I also led a delegation to Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwanese Ambassador. While there we also attended the "2024 Smart City Summit and Expo'" and met with a number of supply chain companies vital to the semiconductor industry. We continue to work hard to make our community the best it can be and we look forward to making additional announcements throughout the year. 

Below you will find out more about the progress made over the last month and a recap of some State of the County Address highlights. 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,

Since 1995, March has been designated as Women's History Month and celebrated all across our country.

To learn more about Women's History Month and its origin, please click below:

In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase "public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities" and to provide the "encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential."

County Executive McMahon understands the importance of an integrated workforce. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion conducts annual Title VI, ADA and limited English Proficiency trainings for all county employees.

For more information, please click below:

March is National Nutrition Month! See how you can make healthy food choices throughout the day, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to snack in between:

County Executive McMahon delivered his 2024 State of the County address at East-Syracuse Minoa High School. County Executive McMahon outlined multiple key areas for growth in Onondaga County. "Investment is an understatement for what is happening here in Onondaga County,” he said.

In the coming months we will outline different topics and initiatives County Executive McMahon highlighted in his speech. This month we are focusing on the meaningful and substantial progress made in public and mental health programs along with the critical investments being made in our infrastructure.

"We need to seize this moment and execute our plan to ensure that every member of our community can take advantage of this unique moment in our county's history. The momentum is real and our future has never been brighter!" County Executive McMahon

County Executive McMahon and his administration have been unwavering in their commitment to investing in mental health, combating the opioid crisis, mitigating potential threats to our schools and ensuring the health and well-being of the youth of Onondaga County.

• Over the last 3 years, nearly $20 million dollars has been invested into supporting mental health in our schools.

• Onondaga County was recently awarded a $3.75 million grant to focus on transition age youth – ages 16 to 25 – that are identified as having or being at risk for serious emotional distress or mental illness.

• Vinny Lobdell and his family have partnered with Onondaga County and our local school districts and will be sponsoring Suicide Prevention Training for all school personnel for the coming school year.

County Executive McMahon, "Investing in the mental health and well-being of our young people has been a top priority of my administration. We have made significant investments in our schools, but we know that the approach must be more holistic."

County Executive McMahon addressed the scourge of the opioid epidemic that has not spared our community. Onondaga County received over $3.7 million during the first round of opioid settlement payments and allocated the funding on initiatives that address prevention, treatment and recovery. County Executive McMahon highlighted the following holistic and comprehensive investments for the coming years:

• Based on recommendations of an advisory group, made up of Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University experts, 6 organizations were awarded funding to prioritize prevention, education and treatment efforts.

• The Onondaga County Health Department is spearheading the creation of a Single Point of Entry to ensure for those struggling with substance abuse. This will ensure all resources are in one place.

• Implementation of harm reduction strategies, using peers to promote positive social activities and implementing prevention activities in schools to stem the tide of substance use disorder.

• Announced the second round of opioid settlement payments of $2.5 million will be dedicated towards safe and stable housing for those experiencing mental health and substance use disorder.

"This epidemic ruins lives. That's why we are making these investments, so it doesn't ruin any more." - County Executive Ryan McMahon

County Executive McMahon spoke of his administration's steadfast commitment to tackling lead poisoning within our community. The County developed a plan that offered a multi-pronged approach to address many of the systemic issues surrounding lead. We launched the "Lead it Go" initiative that provided enrichment services for children with elevated blood level and have worked aggressively to identify homes with lead-based paint before children are harmed. County Executive McMahon gave an update of the following lead initiatives enacted in the past year:

• In total, in partnership with the County Legislature, we have funded over $11 million in flexible funding to prioritize this issue.

• The County debuted a new mobile lead testing vehicle with the goal of bringing quick blood tests into neighborhoods with children most at-risk of lead poisoning.

• To date, lead hazard reductions have been completed in 232 units and another 141 are in progress.

• The Housing Trust Fund Corporation awarded Onondaga County a "Leading in Lead" grant totaling $1.4 million.

• Jessica Vinciguerra was named Director of Lead Operations to direct all lead initiatives.

• 97 individuals are newly EPA Lead Certified Contractors including 8 students from the Syracuse City School District who took part in a pilot certification program with more to come!

Jessica Vinciquerra, Director of Lead Operations

County Executive McMahon spoke about the continued importance of investing in our infrastructure. On the physical services side of County Government, 2023 proved to be another busy year for our hardworking DOT team. Over the last 5 years, they have paved over 750 miles of county roads, replaced or rehabilitated more than 20 bridges and repaired thousands of feet of storm pipe. As we prepare for Micron's historical investment in Onondaga County, critical investments in our below ground infrastructure have begun. County Executive McMahon outlined the many successes of the past year and identified the following vital projects in the year ahead:

Water Environment Protection (WEP) are leading the way to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and create renewable energy while supporting essential economic development. WEP investments include:

• $37 million in construction for new sewer collection pipes and a pump station to extend services to areas without any public services, including the future Micron site in Clay.

• Construction of a $150 million expansion to the existing Oak Orchard treatment plant that will provide increased capacity to serve the anticipated economic development within the area and will allow WEP to build a new biosolids processing facility.

• Development of a new reclaimed water utility. These cutting-edge new treatment systems will have the capacity to take effluent wastewater and turn it into purified, reclaimed and recycled water.

Tremendous progress has been made in deploying broadband throughout Onondaga County and ending our digital divide.

• Verizon has already successfully installed over 175 of the 311 miles of fiber needed and remain on schedule to complete work this Fall.

There is no question that our high quality and diverse entertainment infrastructure is a key factor in the quality of life in Onondaga County. By continuing to invest in these, we are able to attract outside visitors and generate revenue to help support and grow our local economy. These investments include:

• Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation including brand new seating in the lower bowl.

• Our Convention Center completed a $5 million upgrade which included: addition of new meeting rooms, upgraded technology and a remodeled ballroom.

• The newly named Empower Federal Credit Union at Lakeview Ampitheater had another successful and profitable season. To date, the amphitheater has produced nearly a million dollars in profits.

• In August, Onondaga County Parks and Recreation opened the largest pickleball complex in Upstate New York. The complex includes 12 courts and further expansion options are in the works!

• County Executive McMahon announced our Aquarium Project is underway and on schedule for a fall 2025 completion.

Aquarium Interior Renderings

Aquarium Exterior Rendering

County Executive McMahon Leads Delegation in Taiwan

At the invitation of the Taiwanese Ambassador General, County Executive McMahon and Onondaga County Office of Economic Development Executive Director Robert Petrovich led a delegation to Taiwan. They met with a number of supply chains and attended the Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE). This venture was transformative in the wake of Micron Technology's arrival to Onondaga County.

Engaging with key supply chain companies in Taiwan was instrumental in enhancing the support needed at the newly branded White Pine Science and Technology Park (WPSTP). The WPSTP is immediately south of the White Pine Commerce Park where Micron will be located.

This interaction emphasizes our commitment to global partnerships, vital for our community's economic and cultural prosperity. The connections and knowledge gained on this trip are pivotal in ensuring a thriving environment for Micron and fortifying Onondaga County's advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

County Executive McMahon Throws Out Ceremonial First Pitch to open

2024 Syracuse Mets Season

County Executive Ryan McMahon, along with more than 9,000 fans, helped the Syracuse Mets open the 2024 season!

For more information about tickets and other special promotions, click on the link in the Syracuse Mets section at the end of the newsletter.

Onondaga County Parks and Recreation Win Multiple Regional Awards

Congratulations to our 2024 Central New York Recreations and Parks Society Award Winners! Especially, Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley (Outstanding Service Award) and Parks Director of Recreation Leiko Kiggins, winner of the David M. Guokas Memorial Award for Professional Excellence. Thank you for everything you do to make Onondaga County home to the best Park System in New York State!

County Executive McMahon announced that the Village of Camillus and Town of Geddes are the first two recipients of our 2024 Main Street Program. A total of 11 projects are being funded with a combined public/private investment of $900,000.

Village of Camillus

The Olympus Building in the Village of Camillus finished Phase One of its transformation.



Town of Geddes

McKie Sports Inc. in the Town of Geddes is the latest project completed on State Fair Blvd.

Town of Salina

The Town of Salina shows off a newly remodeled completed project.

Village of Marcellus

The Village of Marcellus added Rebound Sports 7 Physical Therapy and the

State Farm/McClurg building to its completed portfolio.

Where will you be when the sky goes dark? Join us for a fun afternoon of astro-discovery in the path of totality, as we celebrate the 2024 Eclipse at Beaver Lake Nature Center. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, games, educational stations, commemorative photo ops, food vendors, music and so much more!

Solar viewing glasses will be provided.

Free with park admission ($5/vehicle)