A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor,

Fall is flying by and what better way to prepare for the winter season than attending our upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting at the Zoo! Additional information about this year's event can be found below. 

This month, we have made some new and exciting announcements such as our first annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award which will go to an outstanding leader from our community as well as our Department of Water Environment Protection earning an energy efficiency incentive from National Grid which will help preserve our energy grid and save taxpayers money.

We also participated in Operation Green Light for Veterans for the third year in a row. Buildings across Onondaga County were lit green as a small gesture to honor and support our veterans. I want to thank our Veterans Service Agency for their dedication and hard work to provide our veterans support and access to services available to them. As the saying goes, "We may not know them all but we owe them all, " so I want to again thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice to protect us and our beloved country. 

I was honored to join many leaders from our family justice system as well as special guests Ronald and Nellie Biles, the parents of United States Olympian Simone Biles, and Lieutenant Peter Robinson at the 24^th Annual Fifth Judicial District National Adoption Day Celebration. Onondaga County has had over 500 adoptions in the last ten years with 20 adoptions taking place during the day of the celebration.

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 Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels during the holiday!

Sincerely,

Ryan

November is Native American Heritage Month. This annual observance celebrates the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It is also an opportunity to honor the legacy and stories of Tribal nations and indigenous communities in the United States.

To learn more about Native American Heritage Month, click below:

Observed annually on November 11th, Veterans Day is a tribute to all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. President Woodrow Wilson first issued November 11th as Armistice Day a year after the end of World War I in 1919 before it became known as "Veterans Day."

Today, there are more than 18 million living veterans in the United States representing about 6% of the adult population. "We don't know them all but we owe them all."

Onondaga County Lights Buildings Green in Support of Operation Green Light for Veterans

County Executive McMahon announced that County buildings would be illuminated green from November 4th through November 11th as a part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Operation Green Light for Veterans is a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to show support and help raise awareness around unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

County Executive McMahon said, "We will be forever grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to defend our country. There will never be enough words or actions to fully express our gratitude for their sacrifice. Illuminating or county buildings green is just a small gesture to visibly express our thanks and honor the sacrifices made for our freedom."

To learn more about Operation Green Light for Veterans, click below:

Photo of Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery.

Onondaga County's Water Environment Protection Department Earns Energy Efficiency Incentive from National Grid

County Executive McMahon was joined by Onondaga County Water Environment Protection Commissioner Shannon Harty and representatives from National Grid to celebrate the rebates Onondaga County earned for proactive investments in energy efficiency which saves taxpayers money and preserves our energy grid.

County Executive McMahon, "While the investments we make in our roads and bridges are visible every day, we also are making strategic and comprehensive investments in our wastewater infrastructure. Thanks to our partners at National Grid, our most recent upgrades will not only result in efficiencies and cost savings, but the incentives offered by National Grid will ensure that we realize these savings and efficiencies even quicker."

County Executive McMahon and Mayor Walsh Celebrate Continued Progress at Inner Harbor

County Executive McMahon joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to celebrate major progress taking place in the Inner Harbor neighborhood with the demolition of the former Easy Washing Co. factory building located on Spencer Street.

County Executive McMahon said, "The progress and momentum taking place in the Inner Harbor neighborhood is undeniable. Both public and private investments will soon result in a burgeoning, thriving and successful new neighborhood."

County Executive McMahon Visits

West Genesee High School Students

County Executive McMahon visited West Genesee High School students during their Participation in Government class to discuss how local government works and the exciting announcements in our community. The students asked many questions regarding economic and community development as well as our infrastructure.

If your school would like to host the County Executive, please contact our office at (315) 435-3516 or email us by clicking below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Fifth Judicial District Host 24th Annual

Adoption Event

County Executive McMahon had the honor of speaking alongside a remarkable group of leaders from our family justice system as well as special guests Ronald and Nellie Biles, the parents of United States Olympian Simone Biles, and Lieutenant Peter Robinson at the 24th annual Fifth Judicial District National Adoption Day Celebration. The event recognizes the many individuals in making an adoption a reality--foster and adoptive families, judges and court systems, child welfare staff, attorneys and partner agencies. This year’s celebration marked the finalization of over 500 adoptions over the last 10 years, fulfilling the dreams of children and adults who have long waited to build together a life of love, happiness, and permanency as an adoptive family. 

If you are interested in learning more about the adoption process or becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please click below or call the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services at (315) 435-3827.

County Executive McMahon Proclaims November 30th, 2024 as Small Business Saturday in Onondaga County

County Executive McMahon Announces Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award

Holiday Nights Tree Lighting with

County Executive McMahon

When: December 6th, 2024

Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click below:

(Note: Tickets are limited)

Festival of Trees & Light 2024

December 5th to December 15th

Presented by the Everson Members’ Council.

Celebrate the Season with the Everson’s Festival of Trees & Light!

Step into a winter celebration as the Everson transforms into a festive retreat filled with beautifully decorated trees, glowing lights, and seasonal cheer. Enjoy live performances showcasing talented musicians and dancers and immerse yourself in creative workshops and drop-in art-making sessions designed for all ages—perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to add a personal touch to their holiday season.

For more information about the Everson's Festival of Trees & Light, please click below:

Erie Canal Museum's 39th Annual Gingerbread House Gallery

November 22nd, 2024 - January 12th, 2025

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, they see over 6,000 visitors during the Gingerbread Gallery!

For more information, please click below:

Please Join Us On December 2nd!

For more information about HEAP assistance, click below:

Free Services, Clinics & Screenings

Kids in Foster Care need you.

Are you ready?

Call (315) 435-3827 or Click below:

Child Care is more affordable than ever before!

Take the survey below and find out if you're eligible.