Photo: AlizadaStudios / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon delivered his State of the County address in Syracuse on Wednesday (March 26), detailing a series of ambitious projects aimed at accelerating economic development, supporting the arrival of Micron Technology suppliers, and expanding housing and renewable energy initiatives.
During the speech, McMahon announced that two companies—Wonik Materials, a specialty gas supplier from Korea, and Target Hospitality, a Texas-based provider of temporary worker accommodations—will set up operations in Onondaga County to directly support the development of Micron Technology’s massive semiconductor facility. The Micron project, which recently broke ground in Clay, represents a $100 billion investment and is expected to generate nearly 50,000 jobs across New York State, including 9,000 high-paying jobs at Micron itself. According to the Onondaga County Office of Economic Development, the region is poised for unprecedented economic growth as it becomes a hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Micron executives highlighted the importance of this investment for both the county and the nation.
In addition to boosting Micron’s supply chain, McMahon outlined several initiatives to address housing shortages. The county will sell 30 acres of vacant land at discounted rates to developers, with the requirement that savings are passed to homebuyers or renters. The O-CHIP program, which provides grants for affordable housing, will increase its maximum grant per unit from $5,000 to $15,000, supported by at least $7 million in available funds. The county will also offer state-funded infrastructure grants to developers building single-family homes priced at $375,000 or less, targeting affordability for younger buyers. The first project under this initiative will see 89 new homes built in Clay, thanks to a $1 million grant.
Another highlight of McMahon’s address was a proposal to consolidate jail operations at a new public safety campus in Jamesville, moving them out of downtown Syracuse. This plan aims to free up space for a revamped convention center district, including expanded parking and improved streetscapes. According to Syracuse.com, the proposal is currently under review by a working group of county officials.
McMahon also proposed developing a new solar farm on a former landfill site on Smoral Road in Onondaga, turning tax-delinquent property into a renewable energy source and potential county revenue stream. The county will seek proposals from solar developers later this year.
Tourism and community enrichment projects were also featured, with McMahon confirming that the new Syracuse aquarium is expected to open by Labor Day, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will expand with a new ‘Savannah Connections’ exhibit. Additionally, a 145-room hotel is planned for Lakeshore Village on Oneida Lake, creating about 100 new jobs.
Finally, McMahon emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation as the county enters a period of rapid transformation sparked by the Micron project and related investments. A local startup, ForEDU, plans to hire 200 employees over the next 18 months to deliver ai-assisted educational training materials, further highlighting the region’s innovation.
County Legislature Chairwoman Nicole Watts welcomed the focus on affordable housing, saying, "I am encouraged to hear and to see the tangible ways we are looking to invest in housing," as reported by Syracuse.com.
Officials expect further study and planning for the proposed jail consolidation, solar farm, and other infrastructure improvements in the coming months.