FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is proud to announce Alicia Ernest as its new Executive Director. In her message, Alicia shares about the future of FOCUS and invites everyone to be an active participant in shaping civic engagement in our Central New York community. Together, we can create meaningful change and strengthen our connections to benefit all residents.
Apply Today!
Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 program, which will run from September 3 to November 12, 2025
Citizens Academy is an 11-week educational program that informs citizens how local governments are organized, and how services are funded and delivered.
Recording & Slides Now Available!
The June Forum presented information on the first draft of Syracuse’s updated Tree Ordinance, shared by City Arborist Stephen Harris. The Forum offered the public a chance to review the draft and provide input before its formal submission to the Common Council.
Recording & Slides Now Available!
The May FOCUS Forum presented information on the continuum of technical skills training, job placement, and educational/career advancement in place programs locally that promote equity in the achievement of job and career goals in our expanding job market.
Read our Whole Family Summit Report Today!
This report summarizes the methodologies used for our Whole Family Summit, key insights from it, solutions identified by Summit participants, and recommendations and next steps for future community engagement.
Watch Recording!
Micron is preparing to break ground on the first of four new chip fabrication facilities this November. This surge in economic development will require more housing. This Forum explored how the region is planning for this pivotal moment.
Recording & Slides Now Available!
Our March FOCUS Forum discussed how the Housing & Homelessness Coalition of Central New York operated and was structured. Presenter, Megan Stuart reported on the state of homelessness in the Central New York community, and how we could rise to the growing challenges of homelessness and housing insecurity.
Now Available: Recording and 2025 Report!
FOCUS and PEACE, Inc. held a ‘Whole Family Summit’ focused on how to enhance our community’s capacity to develop collaborative and family-centric solutions for overcoming basic needs. Our February Forum described key concepts underlying the Whole Family approach to planning and providing services, and Summit findings.