Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse City Council committee held a hearing on a proposed ordinance to ban biometric surveillance in places of public accommodation. Daniel from the NYCLU provided testimony and answered questions from council members. The committee is expected to vote on the legislation on Monday, May 18, 2026. Public Testimony - Daniel (NYCLU) testified in strong support of the ban, citing numerous examples of harm from facial recognition technology, including misidentification of Black and brown individuals, women, and young people. He highlighted the FTC's action against Rite Aid, which misidentified thousands of customers, disproportionately people of color, leading to false accusations, searches, and bans. He argued that the technology is inaccurate, discriminatory, and lacks transparency, with no effective means for individuals to correct misidentifications. He emphasized the need for a private right of action, citing Illinois' law as a model, and noted that the proposed legislation is technology-agnostic and future-proof. Discussion Items - Council members asked about the technology's accuracy, demographic targeting, data privacy, and enforcement. Daniel explained that error rates are higher for non-white individuals, women, young people, and older people, and that the technology is often deployed in minority and immigrant neighborhoods. He discussed data sharing risks, including potential access by ICE, and the difficulty of correcting misidentification. He noted that the Rite Aid case showed insufficient training and no clear process for appeals. On enforcement, he contrasted Illinois (with private right of action) and Texas (without), stating that Illinois has been more effective in holding companies accountable. Council members expressed concerns about the impact on business and the perception of being anti-business, but Daniel argued that customers do not want to be surveilled and that there are other proven ways to ensure store safety. One council member disclosed personal opposition to the technology, calling it "garbage." Another asked about the scope of surveillance beyond retail, with Daniel noting that Macy's, Whole Foods, and MSG venues have been identified. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken at this hearing. The committee is scheduled to vote on the proposed ordinance on Monday, May 18, 2026. The testimony and discussion will inform the council's decision. The hearing underscored strong support among several council members for the ban, with concerns about data privacy, racial bias, and the lack of oversight.

The Syracuse Landmarks Preservation Board held a public hearing on May 14, 2026, to consider a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed expansion of the Islamic Society of Central New York’s mosque at 1515 Comstock Avenue in the Berkeley Park Historic District. The proposal included a 3,600-square-foot addition, expanded parking from 22 to 27 spaces, a 40-foot dome, and significant paving and tree removal. The board heard extensive testimony from the applicant and from neighbors in opposition, then voted to hold the application open pending additional information. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant’s Presentation (Ed Kaplinger, site planner; Ben Larson, architect): Described the scope: a 3,600-square-foot addition, one-way circulation, expanded parking to 27 spaces (zoning requires 67), lot coverage of 38–39% (max 20%), and a six-foot fence with landscaping. The addition would be under height limits, use similar materials, and be largely screened by existing trees. The applicant stated the need for a proper funeral service facility, as the current building cannot accommodate women and seniors. Friday prayers have been moved to a new site in Jamesville, but funerals must remain at Comstock due to religious requirements for immediate burial and historic connection to the adjacent cemetery. - Speakers in Favor (Mohammed, president of Islamic Society; Abdulaziz Shifa, faculty at Syracuse University; Mohammed Qater, longtime member): Emphasized the historical significance of the mosque as the first in Syracuse, its community service role, and the critical need for a dignified funeral space. They noted that the expansion is solely for funerals, not for weekly prayers, and that the community is working to shift Friday attendance to the Jamesville site. They expressed openness to modification and pledged to address neighbor concerns about rats, lights, and dumpster noise. - Speakers in Opposition (seven neighbors, including Deborah Bandolin, Rex Jardine, Jody Upton, Mike Stanton, Stephanie Bartling, Don Peters, Chris Capella Peters, Matt Kisling, Gary Engelhart, and others): Raised numerous concerns: the building’s mass and scale would dwarf adjacent historic homes, the 40-foot dome would loom over backyards, the loss of 18+ old-growth trees and vegetation would destroy privacy and noise mitigation, and the proposed paving (40% lot coverage) would turn the site into a parking lot, eroding the historic district’s park-like character. They cited traffic and parking chaos on Fridays (300–400 cars on neighborhood streets), safety hazards, stormwater runoff, light intrusion, noise, and precedent of unapproved expansions. Many noted that the mosque has already outgrown the site, that the Jamesville property could accommodate cemetery and funeral needs, and that the current plan violates the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. Several neighbors acknowledged positive relations with the mosque but urged rejection of the current proposal or a scaled-back version. Discussion Items - Board members discussed the volume of public opposition, noting it was unprecedented in their experience. They identified scale, massing, lot coverage, and tree removal as primary concerns. One member questioned whether a smaller addition (e.g., an elevator) was considered. The applicant’s president responded that the expansion is necessary for women’s comfort and funeral services but expressed willingness to scale back and work with neighbors. - Board member Kate Oeter requested a photo montage or streetscape elevation to better assess the building’s massing relative to the district. The applicant agreed to provide that. - The board clarified that the public hearing remains open, and the public will have opportunity to respond to revised proposals. Key Outcomes - The board voted to hold the application open pending additional information from the applicant. The motion carried with two abstentions (Nicole Fragnito and Julia Marshall). - The board directed staff to communicate specific concerns to the applicant: scale, massing, lot coverage, tree preservation, lighting, and the need for visual context (photo montage). - The public hearing remains open; future revisions will be subject to further public comment. - No decision on the certificate of appropriateness was made.

The Syracuse Common Council met on May 13, 2026, to discuss a wide range of legislative items, including resolutions, special use permits, budget amendments, and grant authorizations. Council members introduced several items urging state action on voting rights, bottle deposit reform, and consumer protection, while also addressing local infrastructure, public safety, and community development issues. Discussion Items - Biometric Surveillance Plan (Item A): Councilor Williams announced that the committee meeting on the biometric surveillance plan will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with Dan Schwartz from the New York Civil Liberties Union. The item is tentatively ready for Monday's meeting pending the committee results. - Youth Hire Program (Item 9): Councilor (Patricia) presented an annual agreement with Onondaga Earth Corps for a training program and supervision of youth hires, funded at $55,000, with no questions raised. - Voting Rights Resolution (Item 10): Councilor (Patricia) introduced a resolution urging U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman, Governor Hochul, the New York State Assembly, and the New York State Senate to protect voting rights, the Voting Rights Act, and congressional district creation to ensure equitable access to voting. Councilor (Patricia) expressed hope for unity. - Grant for Crash Data Analysis (Item 12): A joint DPW and fire department grant application to analyze crash data and update traffic striping, control boxes, and other infrastructure around the city. - HVAC System Upgrade (Item 13): An update to the HVAC system in the MM garage to bring air quality up to New York State code. - Street Sweeping Program (Items 15-18): Public hearing items on the sweeping program and slurry seal program. Discussion included a shortage of 30 CDL drivers (9 in fleet, 5 optimal, 6 wishful thinking). Councilor raised alternative of using manual sweeping crews, but concerns about safety, liability, and historical precedent were noted. The city currently has a team of litter pickers but not for roadways. Items 16, 18, and 19 were held for the public meeting. - Stormwater Coalition and IMA (Items 20-21): Mary Robison, City Engineer, presented Item 20 for participation in the CNY Stormwater Coalition program ($3,600 fee) and Item 21 for an intermunicipal agreement with Onondaga County for stormwater sewer system services, including a hotline for illicit discharges, inspection support, and lab sampling at $60/hour. No charges have been incurred to date. - Sewer Offset Acceptance (Item 22): Acceptance of sanitary sewer offset for 311 Gannant Drive (Icon Lofts project), including lining three manholes and replacing frames and covers. - Bottle Bill Resolution (Item 23): Councilor Harry Mag introduced a resolution urging the Governor, State Senate, and Assembly to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (S5684/A6543), which would increase the redeemable bottle rate to 10 cents and support redemption centers. He noted benefits for litter control, dignified work, and recycling targets. - Payroll Modernization Contract (Item 24): Amendment to the ordinance for Mosaic Consulting Group to align with the signed contract, extending the period due to a two-month late start and adjusting payment terms. No invoices have been received yet. Councilor requested a future study session to review deliverables and progress. - Cybersecurity Grant (Item 25): Application for a $50,000 cybersecurity grant for utilities to supplement security camera systems at three reservoirs. No local match required. - Telecom Contract Extension (Item 26): Request to extend the current agreement with ComSource while a new RFP award is finalized, expected at the next meeting. - Surge Network Lease (Item 27): Request to enter a lease agreement with Pioneer Companies for space at the State Tower Building (carrier hotel) to support the expansion of the Surge network. The lease is for less than five years and under $1,000. - Tourette Awareness Month (Item 28): Councilor Navy introduced a resolution declaring May 15 through June 15 as Tourette Awareness Month, noting that City Hall will be lit in recognition. He shared that he is the second elected official in New York State with Tourette syndrome, following Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. - Fire Department Flags (Item 29): Initially presented as a donation of 12 flags from Eric Hart, but after discussion, the fire chief and budget director agreed to fund the purchase. The item was withdrawn. - Traffic Safety Grants (Items 30-31): Item 30: Annual traffic safety grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee for overtime to address dangerous driving in high-crash areas (no match). Item 31: Funding for the countywide highway traffic safety program, including salary for a traffic safety coordinator (Lacey Leonardi) and outreach efforts. Both items are routine. - Old Bills for Investigation (CRB): Two outstanding bills for Freeland investigation were brought to the agenda, totaling $18,832.90, within budget limits. They were added to the agenda for payment authorization. - Ear Canal Museum (Item 32): $21,000 authorized for the Ear Canal Museum, as budgeted annually. - JSCB Bond Refunding (Item 33): Proposal to refund $66.9 million in outstanding debt from 2018, achieving 7.4% savings ($4.9 million present value, $600,000/year over nine years). The refunding bonds would not extend the maturity (2035) or increase principal. Pricing expected May 29, closing June 11. - Tax Roll Modification (Item 34): Correction to the 2627 tax roll for 416 West Onondaga Street due to incorrect valuation and inventory. - Legal Printing Funds (Item 35): Request for an additional $9,000 for specialty legal printers due to increased appellate court cases. - Consumer Protection Resolutions (Item 36): Councilor Williams introduced a resolution supporting Senate bills 8004, 8623, and 8872, related to the biometric ban (local law), algorithmic price setting, and digital shelf price labels. The Attorney General previously rallied support for these bills. - Century Club Sign Encroachment (Item 37): Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishwell reported that the Century Club agreed to a revocable encroachment for a sign at location two (preferred by city engineer), understanding they may need to remove it for city projects or Bus Rapid Transit. The club will pay for installation and removal. - HUD Grant Allocations (Item 38): Amendment to the ordinance for annual CDBG, HOME, and ESG allocations to reflect final HUD figures. - Emergency Repair Contractor Pool (Item 39): Authorization to establish a pool of contractors for the emergency repair program, including six new firms from an RFP, carryover from previous pool, and two additional firms used for recent projects. - Special Use Permit – Coffee Bakery (Item 40): Approval for Zaman Coffee to operate a commercial food preparation business at 3001-3023 James Street (bakery shipping to stores, no public access). - Special Use Permit – Neighborhood Market (Item 41): Approval for a neighborhood market (deli) at 901-917 South Geddes Street, formerly CEDRA market. The business will not sell alcohol or tobacco, hours limited to 10 p.m., and complies with police crime prevention recommendations. Councilor expressed concern about traffic on Geddes Street but no strong objections. - Zone Change (Item 42): Rezoning of 539 Colvin Street to eliminate a split zone parcel created by a resubdivision with the land bank. - Property Sale (Item 43): Authorization to sell city-owned property at 1939 East Fayette Street to Parkside Commons for appraised value plus appraisal costs. The project will use project-based Section 8 vouchers for all units. Key Outcomes - Item 29 (flag donation) was withdrawn; the fire department will purchase the flags. - Items 11, 16, 18, and 19 were held for further action (Item 11 pending Eric's work; Items 16, 18, 19 pending public hearing). - All other items presented were discussed and appear ready for formal approval at the next council meeting, with several items requiring final votes. - The council expressed support for the police officers involved in a recent incident, commending their professionalism. - Meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed.

This special meeting of the Syracuse Common Council was convened to consider the amended fiscal year 2027 budget, introduce and vote on a series of routine items, and adopt related resolutions. All councilors were present except Councillor Jones Rousser, who arrived during item 26. The meeting featured a single public hearing (held previously) with no appearances, and all votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - A public hearing held on May 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. had no appearances. Discussion Items - Budget Adoption (Item 6A): Councillor Williams presented the amended budget for fiscal year 2027. He noted that the mayor's original proposal included a $24 million draw on the fund balance. Through collaboration with the budget office and department heads, the council reduced the draw to below $20 million by making a general reduction of approximately $4 million from large special objects of expense, allowing administration flexibility to backfill based on spending patterns. The council added funding for housing, parks, dog control (advocated by Councillor Morris), and three new positions to better serve city employees and residents. The short title was clarified to read "fiscal year July 1st, 2026 to 2027." Councillor Williams thanked council staff, the budget office, department heads, and the mayor's office for their cooperation. - Items 7 through 60: Each item was introduced individually by Councillor Williams, seconded, and voted on unanimously with no discussion. These are presumed to be routine administrative approvals. - Items 6B and 6C: Councillor Majok introduced and urged adoption of both items. They were seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Budget Adoption: The amended fiscal year 2027 budget (Item 6A) was adopted unanimously. The budget reduces the fund balance draw from $24 million to below $20 million, includes a $4 million general reduction, and adds funding for housing, parks, dog control, and three new positions. - Items 6B and 6C: Adopted unanimously. - Items 7 through 60: All introduced and passed unanimously. - The meeting adjourned by motion.

On May 6, 2026, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Urban Jobs Task Force, and City of Syracuse hosted a celebration and progress report for the I-81 Viaduct Project's local hire initiative. The event featured opening remarks, a panel discussion, and audience Q&A, highlighting the initiative's success as a national model for equitable hiring on public infrastructure projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Audience Question on Contractor/Subcontractor Equity: An audience member asked about efforts to support contractors and subcontractors for the I-81 project, particularly whether participants in training programs might later become construction business owners. Panelists acknowledged this as a gap and area of future focus, with Mayor Owens noting the need to lean into business development alongside workforce development. Discussion Items - Opening Remarks by NYSDOT Regional Director Elizabeth "Betsy" Parmley: Parmley thanked partners and emphasized that the I-81 project is about more than infrastructure—it is about correcting past injustices by reconnecting communities and providing local job opportunities. She noted that over 300 local hires have worked on the project, making it one of the first programs of its kind nationally, and that the Federal Highway Administration has published a roadmap based on this model. - Urban Jobs Task Force Report by Deka Eisman: Eisman presented key outcomes from January 2023 to August 2025: - 14.9% of all project workers are local hires (nearly meeting the 15% goal). - Local workers earned over $10 million in wages. - 31.45% of apprentices on the project are local hires. - Approximately 80% of local hire beneficiaries are people of color. - The I-81 project achieved more than double the local hire rate of the Lakeview Amphitheater and NYS Fair Expo projects, and had an 8% increase in wages for workers of color compared to the I-690 project. - Apprentices on I-81 worked double the hours compared to similar projects. - Eisman highlighted the need for continued improvements: enhanced individual impact evaluation, better contractor engagement, dedicated committees for childcare and minority contractor participation, independent oversight, and expansion of the "Big Table" collaborative. - Panel Discussion: The panel included Mayor Sharon Owens, Al Marzulo (IBEW Local 43), Ebony Farrell (Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship), Betsy Parmley, and Becca Eisen (Urban Jobs Task Force). They discussed their roles and the collaborative governance model: - Mayor Owens described the "Big Table" as a quarterly meeting of diverse stakeholders with structured milestones, launched at the request of Urban Jobs Task Force. She emphasized intentionality and the need for parallel business development. - Al Marzulo shared IBEW's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how the union changed internal biases to participate in the Pathways program. He stressed that opportunity must be coupled with hard work. - Ebony Farrell detailed the design of the Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship program, including paid training, case management, financial support for union dues and tools, mental health services, and follow-up support for up to a year (or until journey out). The program is in its 10th graduating class. - Becca Eisen recounted her personal journey and Urban Jobs Task Force's advocacy, noting that the barriers to workforce equity are deep and require extreme intentionality and partnership. - Mayor Owens added that the city used ARPA funds to compensate Urban Jobs Task Force for their partnership, while maintaining organizational independence. Key Outcomes - Celebrated Successes: The local hire initiative has placed over 300 local workers, with strong equity outcomes for people of color and apprentices. The model has gained national recognition and is being replicated in other cities. - Identified Gaps: Panelists acknowledged the need to address contractor/subcontractor equity and business development, which was not prioritized in the initial phase. - Continued Collaboration: The "Big Table" will continue to evolve, with potential application to other major projects like lead pipe replacement. Mayor Owens committed to expanding the model. - Recommendations from Urban Jobs Task Force Report: Enhanced individual impact evaluation, stronger contractor feedback loops, dedicated committees for equity, independent oversight, and expansion of the collaborative structure.

The Syracuse Common Council held its regular meeting on May 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Reverend Mayor, celebrating 200 years at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. All council members were present. The council approved previous minutes, held a public hearing with no speakers, received committee reports, and voted on numerous resolutions, including proclamations and honorary street naming. Several items were held for later consideration. Public Hearing - A public hearing was held relative to authorizing the DPW 2026-27 municipal site work program (Item 14). No members of the public spoke, and the hearing was closed. Committee Reports - On April 27, the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee met for an update on the street lighting program. - On April 28, the Neighborhood Preservation Committee met for an update on the community broadband program. Resolutions and Proclamations (Passed Unanimously) - Item 9A: Local law introduced by Councilor Monto, adopted unanimously. - Item 8A: Adopted unanimously. - Item 10 with Item 11: Resolution recognizing May 8, 2026, as Child Care Providers Appreciation Day in Syracuse. Introduced by Councilor Aaron Rick on behalf of all councilors. Nicole Pouj provided remarks. Adopted unanimously. - Item 12: Introduced by Councilor Caldwell, adopted unanimously. - Items 15-19, 21-24: Introduced by Councilor (unclear), all adopted unanimously. (Items 13, 14, and 20 were held.) - Items 25-27: Introduced by Councilor Aaron Rick, all adopted unanimously. - Items 28-30: Introduced by Councilor Moore. Item 30 was a resolution requesting an honorary street sign at the intersection of Austin and Bellevue in honor of Charlotte Bufkowski. Michael, a neighbor, spoke in support, reading quotes from community members, including former Mayor Ben Walsh. The resolution was adopted unanimously after discussion. - Item 34: Introduced by Councilor Jones Rousser, adopted unanimously. (Item 33 was held.) - Items 35-40: Introduced by Councilor Monto, all adopted unanimously. Items Held or Tabled - Items 13 and 14: Held. - Item 20: Held. - Item 31: Held for vote at 12:00 PM on May 8, 2026 (Friday). - Item 32: Introduced and tabled by Councilors Williams, Monto, and Mashuk. - Item 33: Held. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved multiple resolutions, including Child Care Providers Appreciation Day and an honorary street sign for Charlotte Bufkowski. - Several items (13, 14, 20, 31, 33) were held for future consideration. - Item 32 was tabled. - Council President recognized May as Mental Health Month, urging the public to respond with sympathy to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

The Syracuse Common Council held a study session on May 4, 2026, starting at approximately 3:58 PM. The session reviewed numerous agenda items, with a primary focus on a dispute over right-of-way use fees for the Comstock road closure project. Several items were withdrawn, held for further information, or deemed ready for the 1:00 PM legislative session. Council decided to enter executive session for legal advice on the contested fee calculation. Consent Calendar - Item 10: Withdrawn due to lack of commissioner date or updates. - Item 11 (Child Care Solutions): Ready for the 1:00 PM session. - Item 12 (Syracuse University Maxwell School Fellowship): Agreement for a 10-week in-person fellowship program; ready. - Items 13 & 14: Withdrawn (held) because they are part of the budget and will be voted on with the budget. A dollar amount correction was noted for Item 13. - Item 15: Ready, following committee meeting. - Items 16 & 17: Ready. - Item 18 (Parking lots): Additional funds for an existing project; questions about total number of lots and overall cost were answered via documents shared Thursday. Declared ready with a question. - Item 19: Ready. - Items 20 & 21: Item 20 extensively debated (see Discussion Items). Item 21 (new five-year agreement for Cornell?) was ready; contract can be backdated. - Items 22 & 23: Ready. - Item 24 (Nurses Week resolution): Ready; all councilors to be co-sponsors. - Items 25–27: Ready. - Items 28–30: Ready. Item 29 (GIVE program) prompted follow-up: the coordinator salary and overtime for police youth programs (Police and Me, Pizza with Police) are funded through this grant. - Item 31: The special meeting for the budget vote is scheduled for Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. The public hearing was held April 29. Item held. - Item 32: A proposed ban (similar to Erie County's) was introduced; ready but tabled. - Item 33: Held for more information. - Item 34: Ready. - Items 35–40: All ready. Discussion Items - Item 20 – Comstock Road Right-of-Way Use Fee Calculation: Councilor Williams challenged the city's proposal to charge for 20% of the right-of-way for material staging on Comstock Avenue, arguing that the road closure prevents 100% use by the public. Eric (Mayor's Office) explained the 20% figure came from the general contractor's estimated utilization over a 90-day extension, factoring in necessary road width for emergency access, equipment storage, and changing needs (e.g., crane disassembly). Williams countered that no written definition for "material staging" exists in the fee schedule, leading to differing interpretations. He questioned why the city would discount the fee when the entire right-of-way is closed and when the city faces a $20–24 million budget gap. Eric noted that monitoring tools (weekly audits, live feed) are in place and that the fee schedule can be revisited. Councilor McDuck expressed concern that the 20% assumption was troubling. Eric committed to reassess and return by the 1:00 PM session. Key Outcomes - Item 10: Withdrawn. - Items 13, 14, 31, 33: Held for further action. - Item 20: No immediate decision; council moved to enter executive session for legal advice on the fee dispute. - Item 32: Introduced and tabled. - Executive Session: Motion passed to adjourn to executive session to discuss legal advice on Item 20. - Upcoming Special Meeting: A special meeting to vote on the budget will be held Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM.

The Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) held its regular board meeting on April 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Common Council Chambers. The board approved the annual budget and an insurance payment resolution, and discussed a potential parking lot lease to offset impacts from an upcoming garage demolition. Consent Calendar - Approval of March 30, 2026 meeting minutes: Moved and seconded, approved unanimously. - Acknowledgment of public meeting notice for the April 30 meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution 347 – Annual Budget: Mayor presented the budget, noting it is similar to prior years except for the removal of Housing Strategies Corporation funding. Commissioner Collins detailed revenue sources: New York State Assistance Fund (from SURA-owned properties, mostly parking lots), Development Fund (interest from previous investments), and a $7,500 estimate from eminent domain proceeds related to the I-81 project. Home headquarters funding will be accounted for later. The budget was approved. - Resolution 3478 – Insurance Payment to Dryden Mutual: Authorized payment to prior insurer Dryden Mutual for a premium extension while transitioning to new insurer, Mesa. Commissioner Collins confirmed all SURA-owned properties are covered under the new policy (higher limits of $2M and $4M), except two leased properties on South Salina Street where tenants are responsible for insurance. The resolution was approved. - Potential Lease of Parking Lot at 109 West Washington: Eric Ennis, Chief Development Officer, introduced a discussion about leasing SURA’s parking lot (approx. 60 spaces) to offset 40–50 spaces lost during the demolition of the Fayette Street Garage (estimated 90–120 days). The lot currently has metered parking and non-functional EV charging stations. A lease would require Common Council authorization. The board agreed to return with more detailed terms (cost, duration, number of spaces) at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 347 (annual budget) and Resolution 3478 (insurance payment). - Initiated discussion on parking lot lease; directed staff to prepare a formal proposal for a future meeting.

This meeting featured a presentation from the Say Yes to Education program on its annual report card, impact analysis, and the Syracuse College Attainment Network (SCAN). Council members engaged in detailed Q&A on scholarship eligibility, communication strategies, graduation rates, and the program's financial return on investment. Discussion Items - Annual Report Card: The presenter reported that over $1 million was awarded last fiscal year, including Choice Grants (private colleges), Opportunity Grants (public colleges, with an additional $3,000 for room and board), and Tuition Grants (just under $500,000). External scholarships and grant aid leveraged $15.6 million. - Communication Strategy: The presenter noted a shift to reaching parents and influencers, as direct social media outreach to high schoolers via Facebook and Instagram was ineffective. They also plan to leverage Say Yes alumni for peer-to-peer communication and are participating in district orientation events. - Eligibility and Residency: A council member asked about STEAM school students. The presenter confirmed that students must be city residents for three continuous years to qualify, but exceptions can be made through an appeal process. The residency requirement was deliberately kept to encourage families to move into the city. - Financial Aid: The presenter explained that Say Yes uses a last-dollar model for tuition at partner institutions (over 60 private colleges guarantee tuition). Loans are not considered. They also highlighted that 98% of Say Yes students completed FAFSA, but TAP completion remains a gap. The maximum Pell Grant is $7,935 per year, sufficient to cover SUNY tuition ($7,070). - Graduation and Persistence Rates: Data showed 40% of the Class of 2025 completed a Say Yes application, but among those who matriculated to college, 88.1% completed the application. First-year to second-year persistence for Say Yes students is slightly below the national average (data for 2024-25 not yet available). A council member noted disparities: Asian Pacific Islander graduation rate 79%, Black 72%, White 71%, Indigenous 58% (though small sample size). - Return on Community Investment: A study by Cornell Data Strategy found a 16% return on community investment for four-year degree holders compared to the median income in Syracuse. Alumni are employed in sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and more. - Syracuse College Attainment Network (SCAN): The presenter described a collaborative effort among seven to eight agencies to align resources. In year two, 20 Syracuse City School District students received the Equitable Excellence Scholarship ($5,000/year). Students in both SCAN programs and Say Yes persist at nearly 100% and graduate at 70%. SCAN members also get a $500 book voucher. - Gap and Leave Policies: The presenter explained that students can take a gap year or up to two semesters off without losing eligibility; longer absences require an appeal. Key Outcomes - The residency requirement for Say Yes eligibility will remain in place; a countywide expansion would require nearly $1 billion endowment. - The city council took no formal votes but acknowledged the program's value and requested continued outreach efforts, especially to students of color and those new to the district. - The SCAN network will continue to expand its efforts, with plans to host more alumni events and federal advocacy trips. - Say Yes will work with the district to include scholarship information in freshman orientation materials and increase presence at school-based events.