Ben Walsh

17-year-old Chariel Osorio passed away Thursday, a week after being shot at a party in downtown Syracuse. The Police Department has a few suspects, and believes it was a multiple-shooter, gang-related incident. Various social media posts suggest the organizers of the party told the police the gathering was a Black Live’s Matter rally. 

Central New York officially got the green light from the State Thursday to start Phase One reopening. Businesses, both who are just starting to operate and those who have been operating, will need to certify that they have reviewed the guidance and create a safety plan.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at the daily COVID-19 briefing to discuss some of the findings from the Economic Resilience Task Force. The Task Force is focused on how Syracuse and Onondaga County will slowly resume economic activity following weeks of shut down.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh stopped by the Onondaga County daily COVID-19 briefing Tuesday. Walsh discussed social distancing policies in the city and how police are handling those who are have not been complying.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at his briefing Wednesday in an effort to encourage 2020 Census participation. Walsh said one way anyone can help in the midst of the outbreak is by filling out their census, and helping the community get a complete count.

The City of Syracuse is forging ahead on one of mayor Ben Walsh’s State of the City initiatives to build 50 single family homes to fill gaps left by vacant and abandoned properties in the city. Common councilors have approved a $2 million state application for an Infill Housing Program, which the city will match with $1.75 million in federal housing funds. 

Mayor Ben Walsh wants the Interstate 81 project to prioritize the communities adjacent to the viaduct and local workforce development. In a presentation during GreeningUSA’s Green Bag Lunch series Friday, Walsh said one of the key issues that will affect those living right next to the interstate is displacement.

Recent high profile suicides in Onondaga County and a higher than average suicide rate has Senator Chuck Schumer calling for increased federal resources for prevention programs. 

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh presented his budget proposal to common councilors Monday, and it includes a 3.5% tax increase.  It would be the first since 2011.  Even if the $252.5 million spending plan is approved as is, he says Syracuse would still have the lowest tax rate among all major upstate cities.

Members of the local support system that help child abuse victims in Central New York gathered Friday in Syracuse to point out the significance of the next calendar month.