A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

The new year is right around the corner, and it's been a busy month to end 2025! 

At the beginning of the month, I had the privilege of joining members of the Hoosock Family, law enforcement, our Emergency Management Team and Moyers Corners Fire Department as well as many community members to formally dedicate the "Lieutenant Michael Hoosock Onondaga County Emergency Management Center." This building will serve as a way to honor the life of a man who lived his life courageously by serving and protecting our community. Thank you to all of our law enforcement members who continue to keep us safe every day. 

During this month, I also attended SEMICON Japan with our Economic Development Team. While there, we met with business and government leadership and connected with companies in the semiconductor manufacturing and technology industries that will be crucial to Micron's success in Onondaga County. 

The revitalization of the old 15th Ward took a huge step forward this month as we celebrated the groundbreaking of "The Langston" in honor of the late judge Langston C. McKinney. This project is a transformative milestone forward for the East Adams Neighborhood and I am honored to have been able to attend.

Below you will find additional updates on all the exciting events 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. 

Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! 

Sincerely,

Ryan

December is Universal Human Rights Month which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

It is a time to honor fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. The month encourages people to stand up for equality, justice and the dignity of all humans.

To learn more about Universal Human Rights Month, click below:

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to shedding light on the challenges many people face during the winter months and supporting the emotional complexities associated with this condition.

SAD is a specific type of depression that many individuals experience due to diminished sunlight, disrupting the body's internal clock and leading to feelings of sadness and lethargy.

SAD affects an estimated 10-million Americans with women four times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Let's spread awareness and support for those affected and promote empathy, particularly during a season that can be challenging for some.

To learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month and resources available, click below:

December is National Giving Month. This annual observance encourages people to support others in meaningful ways throughout the month in addition to recognizing citizens who go above and beyond to meet the unmet needs of society. Whether you're delivering meals to a neighbor, supporting a local food bank or organizing a workplace charity drive, National Giving Month reminds us that everyone has something valuable to give.

To learn more about National Giving Month, click below

December 1st is recognized as World AIDS Day and a day of solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV and for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost and standing together in the fight against HIV. The observance is also reserved as a day to bridge new and effective programs and policies across different sectors around HIV/AIDS.

To learn more about World AIDS Day, click below:

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is observed every December to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, particularly during the holiday season when alcohol and drug use tends to increase. The month serves as a critical focus to promote safe driving practices and prevent impaired driving incidents.

To learn more about National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, click below:

Watch County Executive McMahon Discuss

the Latest Micron Developments

County Executive McMahon Kicks Off Holiday Season with 34th Street Dedication

County Executive McMahon dedicated the 400 block of Montgomery Street as "34th Street" for the holiday season in honor of the touring production of Meredith Wilson's, Miracle on 34th Street Musical. You can see this timeless classic at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater this coming fall!

To learn more or purchase tickets, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the 'The Langston'

County Executive McMahon joined local leaders to break ground on phase I of "The Langston," a $102 million project to transform the old McKinney Manor in Syracuse's East Adams neighborhood. 'The Langston' is named in honor of the late Syracuse Judge Langston McKinney.

The project will include include six residential buildings including two mid-rise apartment buildings and four townhome buildings. It will have 117 affordable apartments units for households earning up to 60% of the area-median income.

County Executive McMahon Attends Unveiling of Lt. Michael Hoosock Onondaga County Emergency Management Center

County Executive McMahon was honored to join Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelly, Commissioner of Emergency Management Daniel Wears, Moyers Corners Fire Department Chief Mike Brown, first responders who had served alongside Lieutenant Hoosock and members of his family to dedicate Onondaga County's Emergency Operations Center to Lt. Michael "Hooch" Hoosock, and honor the deputy who was fatally shot in the line of duty.

County Executive McMahon described Lt. Hoosock as an all-star in public safety with credentials that spanned nearly every corner of emergency response. "He answered the call that day because that's who he was. He was loyal to his God, loyal to his country, loyal to his community and he loved his family," said County Executive McMahon.

Lt. Hoosock was the ultimate first responder in Onondaga County. From earning his degree in Emergency Management to dedicating more than two decades of service, he committed his life to learning, serving and protecting. Throughout his career, he worked across three vital fields of first response: law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services. May he rest in peace.

County Executive McMahon and Economic Development Team Attend SEMICON Japan

County Executive McMahon and the Economic Development team attended SEMICON Japan. SEMICON Japan is the premier event that brings together the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain for the latest insights, trends and innovations as the industry powers digital transformation.

County Executive McMahon met with company from across the globe to discuss the growing U.S. semiconductor ecosystem with supply chain companies and business opportunities for Japanese companies interested in co-investing with Micron and expanding into Onondaga County. These are exciting times for Onondaga County!

To learn more about SEMICON Japan, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends

NACo Conference

County Executive McMahon joined county executives from across the country at Stanford University for a forum hosted by the Hoover Institution and the National Association of Counties (NACo) The program featured discussions with Hoover Institution fellows including Condoleezza Rice, General H.R. McMaster and General Jim Mattis on evolving geopolitical threats, emerging technologies and their impact on local communities. The conversations highlighted opportunities for counties like ours to be at the forefront of innovation, national security and economic growth.

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting for New Cicero Police Department Substation

County Executive McMahon was honored to join other elected officials and local leaders for the Cicero Police Department Sub-Station Opening. The new sub-station located in Brewerton Plaza aims to enhance public safety and community presence in Brewerton.

County Executive McMahon Speaks to

Hunt Real Estate Teams

County Executive McMahon met with the team at HUNT Real Estate to update them on some of Onondaga County's biggest economic development projects -- from Micron's $100B investment to the progress at Great Northern and Shoppingtown Malls!

Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency Participates in National Wreaths Across America Day

The Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency honored Onondaga County's fallen heroes by laying 780 wreaths at Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America, click below:

Syracuse Winter Fair 2026

Save the Date: January 30th-February 1st 2026

County Executive McMahon said, "Onondaga County is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Syracuse Winter Fair! This family-friendly event features great entertainment, delicious food, a mini midway and a spectacular fireworks show. Events like these are part of what makes our community truly special and I encourage everyone to come check out this year's Winter Fair!"

To learn more or purchase tickets in advance, click below:

Embrace Winter at Onondaga County Parks

To learn more and view winter guide, click below:

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:

Erie Canal Museum Annual Gingerbread Gallery

November 21st, 2025- January, 11th 2026

Each year the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800’s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows. In a typical year, the Erie Canal Museum sees over 4,000 visitors during the Gingerbread Gallery!