FOCUS Forums are free, public conversations where everyday people come together to dig into the issues that shape life in Onondaga County, and figure out what we can actually do about them!

Each forum brings together a panel of knowledgeable voices on topics like education, the environment, health, local government, public service, business, and many more!

We don’t just talk about problems, we start by asking why. Panelists are asked to begin with the root cause: What created this situation? What do the numbers and the lived experience actually tell us? From there, the conversation moves toward solutions, resources, and as always, the civic connections that spark real community action!

Every forum includes a moderated Q&A, because these are your forums, your topics, your questions. You’re not just the audience. You’re the reason we’re here!

The topics you see at FOCUS Forums don’t come from our boardroom. They come from YOU!
Community members who live/work in Onondaga County suggest the issues they want explored, and those requests shape what we bring to the stage. We also draw on real local data from the CNY Vitals Life Needs Assessment,a resource built specifically to identify what’s impacting Central New York most! Every forum reflects what our community actually needs to talk about. If something matters to your neighborhood, it matters to FOCUS!

Have a topic idea or know someone who should be on a panel? Share your suggestion here!

When Are FOCUS Forums

Our live FOCUS Forums are typically held on the 3rd or 4th Friday of most months, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
While we strive to stick to this schedule, there may be occasional exceptions.

How To Register and Participate

To join a forum, register in using the links provided on our registration page.
After you complete registration, you will receive a confirmation email. The link will be sent through Constant Contact, so please check your spam and other filtered folders if needed.
As part of the registration process, you can submit questions for the live Q&A session. We encourage you to send your questions by the Tuesday prior to the forum. This allows our panelists to incorporate responses into their presentations, enhancing the overall discussion.

How To Suggest a Forum Topic

FOCUS Forum topics are suggested by everyday people like YOU!
When there’s a topic affecting your life, your neighborhood, or your community, others are thinking about it too. Don’t wait for someone else to bring it up!
It takes two minutes. YOU could spark a community conversation! Submit your topic idea!

FOCUS Forum Recordings

If you miss a live forum or wish to revisit the discussions, we’ve got you covered! Forums are recorded and available on our website, usually the same day as the forum. This way, you can catch up at your convenience! Our collection now includes over 55 recordings!

Our Upcoming FOCUS Forums

Upcoming FOCUS Forums are planned and confirmed in advance, including topics and panelists. While we make every effort to maintain the schedule as announced, changes will occasionally occur due to panelist availability or venue considerations. We appreciate your understanding and will share updates as needed.