A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

Fall is officially here which means it's time to enjoy our local agtourism businesses for seasonal apple picking, pumpkin picking and more! 

Earlier this month, I was honored to join other local leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour to kick off the new, and first, school year at the world-class STEAM School! The STEAM School will provide students with classes that focus on career paths in science, technology, engineering, arts and math to better prepare them for all the opportunities coming to Onondaga County as we become the High-Tech Manufacturing Hub for North America!

This month I delivered my 8^th Executive Budget Presentation to the Onondaga County Legislature where I highlighted my values and priorities for the upcoming year — tax relief, public safety, economic development and investments in our people. You can watch the full presentation here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yAMyOi2nxrI

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the Onondaga County Suicide Prevention Coalition, students and community members at the 'Chalk the Walk' kickoff event in support of National Suicide Prevention Month and mental health awareness. This annual, week-long initiative encourages the community to spread uplifting messages in chalk to help provide #HopeInEveryStep. If you or someone you know may be struggling and in need of support, dial 988 to be connected with the help you may need.

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

Labor Day is observed the first Monday in September and is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Rooted in the late 19th century, the holiday honors when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.



To learn more about the history of Labor Day, please click below:

Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, our country came together to grieve family, friends and strangers. More than 20 years later, we still do and the day has become an annual day for many Americans to remember, reflect, honor and mourn.

We honor and remember those who lost their lives and the countless sacrifices that were made by those who responded to the tragedy that struck our Country on September 11th, 2001. May we never forget.

Each year National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Throughout history, millions of Hispanic Americans have enriched and strengthened the American way of life through their love of family, leadership and wisdom within our communities.

To learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, please click below:

September also marks National Preparedness Month. This annual recognition reminds everyone in America how important it is for individuals, families and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.

Our Department of Emergency Management works with partners to promote life safety and property preservation through a cycle of emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

To learn more about the Department of Emergency Management and ways to stay prepared, please click below:

Healthy Aging Month is observed every September to promote positive attitudes toward aging. It was first established in 1992 by Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine, aiming to encourage individuals to take charge of their well-being and lead healthy, fulfilling lives as they age. The initiative emphasizes proactive steps to stay vibrant both physically and mentally.

To learn more about Healthy Aging Month, please click below:

September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide as well as raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24 and these rates are increasing.

September 8th is 988 Day, a national initiative to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that can help those struggling with their mental health. First implemented in 2022, the federally mandated crisis number 988 became available to all landline and cell phone users at no charge to provide access to call centers, crisis counseling, resources and referrals.

To learn more about Mental Health Services available in Onondaga County, please click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Suicide Prevention Month Initiative "Chalk the Walk"

County Executive McMahon was joined by students, local support agencies and community members to kick off the annual, week-long suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative, 'Chalk the Walk'. The goal was to cover sidewalks with uplifting and positive messages in chalk to spread hope and awareness for Suicide Prevention Month. County Executive McMahon wrote his own uplifting message in support of the cause, "You are heard."

If you or someone you know may be struggling and in need of support, please dial 988 to be connected with the help you may need. For more information about resources available in the community, please click below:

County Executive McMahon Delivers 2026 Executive Budget Address

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Regional STEAM High School

County Executive McMahon joined other local leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour to kick off the new school year at the world-class Regional STEAM High School.

This will be the region's first-ever Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) high school with 250 students and 40 teachers who will be part of the school's inaugural class. This school year only freshmen will be in the building and a new class will join each year, meaning a full high school class with four grades and 1,000 students will be in place by the time the upcoming class are seniors.

County Executive McMahon said, "You're going to have a unique building. You're going to have what I describe as the 'Center of Excellence" for kids that know already what fields they want to enter. We'll need a fantastic STEM curriculum in all our districts to meet this amazing economic opportunity we have here."

County Executive McMahon Attends

Skaneateles Senior Luncheon

County Executive McMahon joined District 6 Legislator Julie Abbott, Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, PEACE, Inc. and community members at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles for the first senior luncheon of the season. These luncheons are a great way to socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal.

To learn more about luncheons near you or a loved one, please click below:

County Executive McMahon Announces

Latest OCHIP Recipient

County Executive McMahon joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, The Women's Institute and St. Nick's Alliance to announce the latest OCHIP recipient. The Southside Renaissance Project will consist of senior rental housing units, a public food hall, daycare, retail shops and workforce lab in the Southside of Syracuse. In total, the project has been awarded $250K in OCHIP funding.

The Onondaga County OCHIP (Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program) is a funding initiative aimed at addressing the housing shortage in Onondaga County by providing private sector and nonprofit developers funding to assist in closing funding gaps and stimulate investments in new housing projects.

To learn more about OCHIP, please click below:

County Executive McMahon Speaks at New York Mortgage Bankers Association, Inc. 2025 Convention

County Executive McMahon was honored to be a guest panelist at the New York Bankers Association, Inc. (NYMBA) Convention. The panel discussed and explored various home building related topics including: zoning challenges, the NYS Electric mandate for new construction, housing for Micron employees in Central NY, Net-Zero Construction and much more.

The New York Mortgage Banks Association, Inc. (NYMBA) is a statewide organization devoted exclusively to the field of real estate finance. NYMBA's rapidly growing membership is comprised of both depository and non-depository mortgage lenders and loan services as well as a wide variety of mortgage industry-related firms.

To learn more about the New York Bankers Association, Inc. click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the INSPYRE Innovation Hub

County Executive McMahon joined other elected officials and community leaders to cut the ribbon on the INSPYRE Innovation Hub. Formally named The Tech Garden, the facility has expanded from an one-story structure to a three-story, 90,000 square-foot modern hub.

The expanded structure features a new entrance, a 5,000 square-foot roof terrace for events, a 3,000 square-foot meeting room, private offices for resident startups, co-working areas and a hardware space for prototyping and product development.

County Executive McMahon Visits

Syracuse University's New D.C. Office

County Executive McMahon met with Syracuse University staff at its new center in Washington, D.C. The center serves students, faculty, staff and alumni and hosts lectures, networking events and advocacy meetings. During the meeting, the County Executive discussed Onondaga County’s ongoing partnership with the University to develop workforce programming that will prepare students to fill STEM and manufacturing jobs.

County Executive McMahon Speaks On National Association of Counties (NACo) U.S - Japan Day of Action Panel

County Executive McMahon, along with co-panelist Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Corker, spoke about deepening relationships with Japanese companies and working to attract those supply chain companies to invest in Central New York and Maryland.

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

National POW/MIA Day

County Executive McMahon joined the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency, Onondaga County American Legion and local veterans to present a proclamation to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Onondaga County.

National POW/MIA Recognition is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices of American service members who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who are still missing in action (MIA). This day serves as a reminder of the nations commitment to accounting for every service member who has not returned home and to recognize the courage and resilience of those who endured captivity. We will never forget the services and sacrifice made by those who serve and served our country.

Listen to County Executive McMahon On

The Good News York Podcast

County Executive McMahon joined Matt Masur from the Good News York podcast to discuss all the exciting and positive developments happening in Onondaga County that are shaping Central New York.

County Executive McMahon Speaks

At Century Club Luncheon

County Executive McMahon was honored to be invited to speak at the Century Club. He updated business and community leaders on some of Onondaga County's biggest economic development projects -- from Micron's $100B investment to the progress at Great Northern and Shoppingtown Malls.

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:

Emergency Services Career Fair

To learn more or make an appointment, click below: