A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends -

It's been a busy and exciting fall in Onondaga County!

Earlier this month, the County Legislature unanimously passed our 2025 budget. In 2024, we cut the property tax rate by 15% and I am proud to share that in 2025, the tax rate will be cut by another 9% to a new historic low. Just as important, our 2025 budget also includes critical investments in our children and families, additional funding to bolster our fight against lead and continues our commitment to ensuring our kids have access to the mental health resources they need in our schools.

This past summer we announced our “Onondaga County Hotel Initiative” to help bolster and grow this important industry. This month I was proud to announce the first round of recipients which will result in new hotels in the Towns of DeWitt and Salina. Stay tuned for future announcements!

We also announced the awardees of our Onondaga County Child Care Enhancement Grants. Over 70 child care providers were awarded grants to help address needs within the child care sector including bolstering capacity to serve children and families more effectively.

I was honored to have Mayor Walsh, Legislator Garland and other community leaders join me to announce the South Salina Street Corridor as our next “Main Street” investment.

Beautiful foliage and cooler weather aren’t the only things that come with Fall. It’s also that of time of year when the flu and other respiratory diseases spread easily. Health Commissioner Dr. Katie Anderson and I got our flu shot and I encourage all of you do so too! Call your doctor, go to your neighborhood pharmacy, or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/en/

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 a fun and safe Halloween!

Sincerely,

Ryan

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international 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:

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Onondaga County Department of Social Services Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale

Onondaga County Department of Social Services (DSS) hosted a bake sale in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The department raised $2,160 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and participated in the walk on October 26th. All proceeds raised were donated to help fight this disease.

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:

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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

To kick off National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Team joined forces with the LeadSafeCNY Coalition to raise awareness of lead poisoning in our community. The week promoted blood lead testing, education for families on lead poisoning prevention and training contractors on using lead-safe work practices.

To learn more about Lead Poisoning Prevention, click below:

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Onondaga County Lead Initiatives Hosts Three-Day EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Course (RRP)

In partnership with Kate Kirkwood of Lead-EDU, Onondaga County Lead Initiatives hosted a three-day "Train the Trainer" course for individuals looking to expand their companies by offering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) course. In addition, four Health Department staff members took the course in hopes of becoming principal trainers in order to offer the RRP course to homeowners facing open lead violations.

County Executive McMahon and his administration has been steadfast in their commitment to tackling lead poisoning within our community. The county in partnership with the County Legislature developed a multi-pronged approach to address many of the systemic issues surrounding lead which has resulted in over $11 million in funding to prioritize this crucial issue.

County Executive McMahon Receives 2024 Loretto Distinguished Service Award

County Executive McMahon received the 2024 Loretto Distinguished Service Award from the Loretto Foundation for his exceptional commitment, leadership and impact in improving the care of older adults.

County Executive McMahon said, "We are at a point in time in our community where we have generational change and generational opportunity in front of us, and I don’t think we are really ready for it and we can’t do it without Loretto. I want to thank the private sector partners who continue to support and invest their resources into The Loretto Foundation because Loretto will play an even more important role in the future than it already has in the past.”

The Loretto Foundation's mission is to provide a variety of programs and initiatives that deliver hope and compassion to Loretto employees and residents such as workforce development programs that offer paid training, innovative technology, emergency grants for employees in crisis, memory care unit amenities and free diapers to those with small children.

County Executive McMahon Celebrates

TTM Technolgies' Inc. Dewitt Expansion at

Beam Signing Ceremony

County Executive McMahon joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul as well as other state and local officials at TTM Technologies Inc. Beam Signing Ceremony to celebrate their state-of-the-art greenfield facility in Dewitt.

TTM will use a $30 million federal award from the U.S. Department of Defense to boost its $130 million expansion project at its facility in Dewitt. The funding will help to acquire and install advanced-manufacturing equipment and develop prototype designs for its more than 200,000-square-foot new facility.

Once completed, TTM's expanded Central New York facility will be one of the largest, technologically advanced Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) manufacturing sites in North America with a highly optimized process to allow for shorter lead times, faster delivery and increase in domestic capacity for PCB's. The expansion will also increase TTM's Dewitt workforce by over 600.

County Executive McMahon Announces 35th Season of Lights On The Lake

County Executive McMahon joined Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, Galaxy Media Partners Chief Operating Officer Carrie Wojtaszek and Wegmans Director of Community Engagement Evelyn Ingram to announce the 35th season of Lights On The Lake. The lights will be illuminated around Onondaga Lake Park from November 18th, 2024 through January 13th, 2025.

County Executive McMahon said, "This holiday tradition continues to grow and remain a favorite event for so many people. We appreciate the collaborative effort of the Parks Department and Galaxy to continuously improve the show and look forward to celebrating the 35th anniversary."

For more information or to purchase tickets for Lights On The Lake, click below:

Lights On The Lake

County Executive McMahon Announces South Salina

Corridor Main Street Recipients

County Executive McMahon was joined by City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Onondaga County Legislator Charles Garland and Home Headquarters CEO Kerry Quaglia at OnaJava Coffee House to announce 16 new Main Street Program Grant recipients.

The Main Street Program focuses on facade and infrastructure improvements of mixed use and commercial businesses to help increase economic activity and keep communities vibrant and flourishing. Onondaga County's $1,025,983 investment leveraged $454,760 in private matching for a total amount of $1,480,743 in funds for the South Salina Corridor. Congratulations to all recipients!

County Executive McMahon Presents Proclamation Declaring "Taiwanese American Friendship Day" in

Onondaga County

In honor of National Day of the Republic of China, County Executive McMahon and City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh presented a proclamation at the Taiwanese Flag Raising Ceremony to Taiwanese Ambassador Lee and local Taiwanese community members to proclaim October 11, 2024, as "Taiwanese American Friendship Day." This celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911.

Protect Yourself This Flu Season,

Get Your Flu Shot!

County Executive McMahon joined Health Commissioner Dr. Katie Anderson to encourage the community to get their flu shots and vaccines this fall. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to prevent illness, reduce severity and save lives. This is especially important for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems. Take advantage of the vaccines currently available for the respiratory viruses which can cause significant disease: flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Call your doctor, go to your neighborhood pharmacy or click below to find vaccines near you.

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County Executive McMahon Announces

New Survey Seeking Input on Future of

Central New York Regional Market

County Executive McMahon announced the launch of an online survey seeking public input on the future of the Central New York Regional Market. With major investments under consideration, residents throughout Central New York are being asked to share their ideas for improving the historic Market on Park Avenue. The survey asks residents things such as their experiences at the Market, reasons why they do or do not shop there, what they like and dislike about the Market and their ideas for improvements.

County Executive McMahon said, "The Regional Market is a true community asset that has served area farmers and residents for nearly 100 years. As our community prepares for unprecedented and historic growth, the time is now to invest in the Market and maximize its true potential. In order for this effort to be successful, we need community input and that is why I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to fill out the survey."

Take the survey below:

Regional Market Survey

County Executive McMahon Visits

Dewitt Community Church

County Executive McMahon was a guest speaker for the Dewitt Community Church's "Faith and Politics" series. County Executive McMahon shared his vision for the future of Onondaga County and discussed the county's current impact projects including Micron, global attraction to Onondaga County, Shoppingtown Mall and the importance of community partnerships.

Dewitt Community Church (DCC) is a non-denominational church of 1,800 members with a rich history of worship, music, youth and children's ministry and missions. The church offers ministries of worship, Christian education and service to its members and the community. The church is dedicated to grassroots ecumenism and supports Christian unity and interfaith cooperation.

To learn more about Dewitt Community Church's "Faith and Politics" series, click below:

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County Executive McMahon Speaks

at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of

New Hematology-Oncology Office in Camillus

County Executive McMahon joined Congressman Brandon Williams and Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY) leadership at a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new state-of-art 21,000 square foot Comprehensive Cancer Center. The new center includes more space for infusion and a Patient RX Center as well as additional space for future expansion initiatives.

Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York was established in 1982 by John J. Gullo, MD and Santo M. Difino, MD with a vision to serve the community by providing the highest level of quality care to patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders.

County Executive McMahon Announces S&P Global Ratings Improves

Onondaga County Bond Rating

County Executive McMahon announced that Onondaga County's bond rating of "AA" from S&P Global Ratings was affirmed with an improvement from "stable" to "positive" outlook.

While explaining the improved outlook S&P noted, "The outlook revision reflects our expectation that the county's economic metrics, specifically economic output, will likely exceed current peers as several substantial, significant economic developments begin construction."

County Executive McMahon said, "Responsible management of taxpayer dollars has been one of my top priorities. My administration has made historic investments in long underfunded issues like poverty, lead and workforce development. We have also made strategic investments in our infrastructure while working tirelessly to create real economic opportunity for everyone in our community. We've been able to do all of that, and more, while lowering the property tax rate to the lowest in history. My administration continues to prove that responsible fiscal management combined with robust planning and comprehensive management can produce real results for our community and the future continues to be brighter than ever."

County Executive McMahon Speaks to Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Students

County Executive McMahon participated in a speaker series for Syracuse University Whitman School of Management through Leadership Syracuse called "Unveiling Central New York: Discover CNY Day." The goal of the series was to better inform students about Central New York's culture, history and wide range of opportunities. County Executive McMahon spoke about his career and experience as our community's leader as well as the many exciting announcements and projects currently happening in Onondaga County.

County Executive McMahon Welcomes Representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to

Onondaga County

County Executive McMahon and the Onondaga County Industrial Agency (OCIDA) were honored to welcome representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization USA (JETRO) for a visit aimed at deepening their understanding of our region's economic landscape.

This visit marked an important step in strengthening our international partnerships, particularly as we work to support Micron Technology's New York project and welcome Japanese companies to our community.

JETRO is a non-profit organization that connects businesses with the resources they need to successfully connect to Japan. JETRO is organized and managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) which is a ministry of the Japanese Government that focuses on economic and industrial development through innovation, technology and foreign investment.

County Executive McMahon Announces 2024 Child Care Enhancement Grant Recipients

County Executive McMahon announced the 2024 Child Care Enhancement Grant recipients. First announced at the 2024 State of the County, these grants were awarded to help support improvements in child care facilities throughout Onondaga County and address needs within the child care sector to bolster the capacity to serve children and families effectively. Five hundred thousand dollars was allocated for this effort. In total, 73 child care providers were awarded.

County Executive McMahon said, “Investing in safe and reliable child care to support our growing community is more important than ever. This announcement marks just the beginning in my administration’s commitment to supporting this vital industry. Congratulations to all of the recipients and thank you to Child Care Solutions for their invaluable partnership in this effort.”

For a list of all Child Care Enhancement Grant Recipients, click below:

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County Executive McMahon Announces Miracle Ele-Twins Receive Groundbreaking Vaccine

County Executive McMahon Announces First Round of Awardees for Onondaga County Hotel Initiative

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the first two recipients of the Onondaga County Hotel Initiative. Recognizing the significant number of hotels that have come offline, which are critical for supporting our local tourism and convention economy, County Executive McMahon launched the Hotel initiative in June of 2024 to help jumpstart investments into this critical industry.

Located in the Town of DeWitt, the first recipient is a 108-room extended stay hotel under the Choice Hotels flag. Located on Collamer Road, the hotel will be built next to the existing Quality Inn & Suites which is currently under renovation. This project was awarded $250,000 and is currently under construction.

The second project is a 110-room hotel located in the Town of Salina under the Hilton flag. This hotel will be built on a vacant parcel of land located on Elwood Davis Road and was awarded $400,000. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Our tourism and hospitality industries are a critical part of our local economy, generating important sales tax dollars that we use to fund county government. The industries are also heavily reliant on the availability and diversity of hotels. That is why my administration launched the Onondaga County Hotel initiative to incentivize and grow our local hotel infrastructure. These two projects are an exciting first step in our efforts and I look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead.”

On October 23rd, Onondaga County Department of Emergency Communications/911 hosted an Emergency Services Career Fair at the Nedrow Fire Department. This recruiting event brought together members of the 911 Center as well as agencies from law enforcement, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Representatives from various branches of the military, Onondaga County Probation, local alarm companies, security companies, campus safety from local colleges, hospital security and private investigators were also in attendance.

If you're interested in a career with our 911 Team, click below:

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