Syracuse State of the City Address by Mayor Sharon Owens - January 29, 2026
Syracuse State of the City Address – January 29, 2026
Mayor Sharon Owens delivered her first State of the City address at Nottingham High School, outlining a vision for a growing, diverse, and opportunity-rich Syracuse. The evening included opening performances by the Syracuse Drumline and Nottingham Varsity Cheer Team, an invocation by Reverend Matif Johnson Kinsey, presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. Student Ambassador Kylie Cooper shared her personal journey and aspirations, and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Henry (Nottingham alum) introduced Mayor Owens.
Opening Ceremonies & Recognitions
- Invocation by Rev. Matif Johnson Kinsey (Director of Mayor's Office to Reduce Gun Violence) prayed for wisdom, justice, and unity.
- Student Ambassador Kylie Cooper (Nottingham senior) spoke about overcoming anxiety and anger through therapy, and her goal to become a therapist to help youth.
- COO Kevin Henry praised Mayor Owens as a leader who "walks the walk."
- Mayor Owens recognized elected officials (Congressman Manion, State Senators May and Ryan, Assembly members, County Executive McMahon, School Board, etc.), her transition team, senior leadership, city employees, and her family, dedicating the address to her late mother, Pastor Esther L. Daniels.
- High School Roll Call – Mayor invited cheers for Corcoran, Fowler, Henninger, ITC, and Nottingham (host).
Keynote Address by Mayor Sharon Owens
Immigration & Community Standing
- Reaffirmed that Syracuse Police will not enforce federal immigration law.
- Expressed support for the New York for All Act, which would prohibit local enforcement of federal immigration law and require judicial warrants for federal entry.
- Condemned recent wrongful detentions and shootings in the community.
Housing & Neighborhood Development
- 1,000+ housing units under construction, including East Adams neighborhood transformation (256 units) and Chimes Building renovation (152 units).
- Syracuse Developmental Center (SDC) site will bring 261+ housing units, new roads (Jensen Avenue, Helen D. Hudson Boulevard), and 27 townhomes for first-time homebuyers via Home Headquarters.
- 50+ AHOP (Affordable Housing Opportunity Program) projects underway.
- 52 additional modular cross-mod homes pledged by New York State after successful pilot with Syracuse Land Bank.
- Lead hazard remediation – $4.1 million HUD grant pending to remediate 100+ units; continued partnership with Onondaga County.
- 1,700 lead water service lines to be replaced in 2026 (crews tripled).
- Housing Strategies Corporation expanding curb appeal and home improvement programs into new neighborhoods.
- Homelessness – emphasis on deeply affordable supportive housing and regional collaboration.
Sustainability & Infrastructure
- Climate Action Plan to be released for public input this spring, with adoption by end of 2026.
- Hiawatha Boulevard water transmission line replacement (24-inch line, shut off for 20 years) will improve north side water pressure.
- Care Team (Constituent Assistance Resource Employees) – new team to provide single-point-of-contact for residents accessing city and community services.
Economic Development & Job Creation
- Micron groundbreaking celebrated – Mayor committed to attracting semiconductor suppliers and activating commercial spaces.
- SUNY Upstate emergency room/burn unit expansion ($450M state investment) moving to design phase.
- Inner Harbor & Lakefront – investments in Progress Park, Creek Walk, pedestrian/bicycle connections.
- ONRAP (One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership) – workforce innovation hub at former Sears Building (1300 S. Salina St.), master developer selection underway, ground breaking later in 2026.
- Apprenticeship expansion with local unions and Mathney.
- CDL driver recruitment – city seeking drivers for DPW; phone number provided.
Transportation & Mobility
- Vision Zero – hired coordinator, moving to implementation; school zone traffic enforcement rollout.
- 42 intersections to get pedestrian safety upgrades; James Street and South Salina Street signal improvements.
- Deputy Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility created (funded within existing budget).
- I-81 community grid – 2026 milestones; Mayor seeks city ownership of former viaduct land.
Public Safety
- Homicides at lowest rate in a decade under retired Chief Joe Cecil.
- New Police Chief Mark Russon introduced, along with command staff.
- Residency requirement pilot for new recruits – paused for one year to boost applicant numbers.
- Command school for lieutenants/captains, one of few in New York State.
- Community panel discussions to instruct academy recruits on historic context of policing.
- Fire Department – answer nearly 26,000 calls; citywide average response time 2 minutes 42 seconds (best in Central NY).
- New public safety facility at 1153 West Fayette Street opening spring 2026, housing police and fire departments.
Youth & Quality of Life (Generation Next)
- Two new Gen Next sites to open in 2026.
- Clinton Square ice rink to become a summer roller rink – Commissioner Byrd tasked with implementation.
- District and Nightlife Coordinator to support entrepreneurs, nightlife, public safety, and arts.
Fiscal Strategy
- Citywide revaluation to be conducted in coming months.
- Land value tax explored as incentive for development.
- Budget transparency – Mayor will meet with Common Council in February and March for pre-budget discussions.
- Review of all city fees and technology improvements to streamline processes.
Key Outcomes
- Creation of Care Team (Constituent Assistance Resource Employees) led by Chief Strategy Officer Stephanie Pasquale.
- Deputy Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility position established.
- District and Nightlife Coordinator role created.
- Two new Gen Next sites announced for 2026.
- Summer roller rink at Clinton Square confirmed.
- Police residency requirement paused for new recruits via pilot agreement with PBA.
- Police command school and community panels to be implemented in 2026.
- New public safety facility on West Fayette Street opening spring 2026.
- Citywide property revaluation to begin in coming months.
- Land value tax to be explored.
- Pre-budget collaborative meetings with Common Council scheduled for February and March.
- Climate Action Plan public input period this spring.
- ONRAP workforce hub at former Sears Building to break ground later in 2026.
- 1,700 lead service line replacements planned for 2026.
- Syracuse Land Bank has increased local property taxes by $2.6 million annually.
- 52 additional cross-mod homes pledged by New York State.
Meeting Transcript
Please welcome the pride of Syracuse Drumline and Nottingham Varsity Cheer Team. Please give a round of applause for our cheer team and drumline. And please stand if you were able and welcome Reverend Matif Johnson Kinsey, Director of the Mayor's Office to reduce gun violence. Eternal God. Grant wisdom to our leaders clarity to our decisions and integrity to their actions. Guide every policy, every plan, and every conversation so that it reflects justice, compassion, and the dignity of all people. We lift before you, Mayor Sharon Owens, strengthen her with courage, surround her with wise counsel, and anchor her leadership in peace and purpose. May she lead with humility, vision, and heart for the most vulnerable among us. May the words she speak today accomplish all that it has already accomplished in heavenly places. Lord, we pray for this city and our country. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is violence, bring peace. Where there is uncertainty, bring hop. And where there is fatigue, renew the spirit of those who serve. As we move forward together, remind us that leadership is stewardship, that power is responsibility, and that progress is best measured by how we care for one another. We offer these prayer and gratitude and expectations, trusting that you who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us. In Jesus' name, amen. Please be seated. Please welcome Nottingham High School's student ambassador, Kylie Cooper. Hi, welcome to Nottingham High School, home of the Bulldogs. My name is Kylie Cooper, and I'm a senior here at Nottingham High School. Nottingham has truly given me the best high school experience. Nottingham has so many diverse students, staff, and activities that gives every student a sense of belonging. For me, when I first entered Nottingham, I did not know anyone, but the Nottingham staff made sure that I was able to find my place here at Nottingham High School, which I eventually did. I became a student athlete that participates in two sports, basketball and flag football. I have been a class representative all four years of high school. Just look at what Nottingham High School has allowed me to be a part of. Who would not want to be a bulldog? It sets you on the path to success. My future plans after graduation are to continue my education at a four-year college or university, hopefully at HBCU, where I can get where I can get my degree in social work or psychology to pursue a career as a therapist. Many would not be able to tell, but I have struggled with anxiety and anger issues, which really impacted my education. When I was younger, my grandmother made the decision to get me a therapist to help me talk and work through my problems. Who would have thought the kid who cussed out teachers to be given a speech to welcome the mayor? My experience with therapy is the reason I know that when you have someone near for you, it makes a difference, which is why I want to become one. I want to give kids a sense of belonging in a world that can make you feel so alone and out of place. Now enough talk about me. I want to thank all of you for being here, and Mayor Owens for being here today. Thank you. If you were able, please stand and remain standing for the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh saves that star spangled Ben. Or the land of the free and the home of the bread. Please welcome City of Syracuse Chief Operating Officer and Nottingham alum, Kevin Henry. Please join me in thanking the PSLA at Fowler Navy National Defense Cadet Corps, the Nottingham students, Lucas Sam, and Angelina for their presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. My name is Kevin Henry, and I have the honor of serving as a city of Syracuse's chief of operate chief operations officer. I'm a Nottingham alumni. I graduated here in 1993. Go Bulldogs.
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