SYRACUSE, NY — Mayoral candidate Sharon Owens today unveiled her economic vision for Syracuse, outlining bold strategies to foster inclusive growth, expand job opportunities, and ensure that prosperity is shared across all neighborhoods and communities. She also shared a bold commitment, promising to expand the nationally recognized Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship program success by graduating 200 individuals into skilled trades union apprentices by the end of her first term.

As part of her "Inclusive & Growing Economy” platform, Owens emphasized that a strong economy paired with accessible jobs leads to collective prosperity. She laid out a comprehensive plan to leverage City Hall's influence to enable business growth and job creation in ways that benefit every Syracuse resident.

“We must ensure Syracuse’s economic growth is equitable, inclusive, and reflective of the people who call this city home. No more people with file folders full of training certificates but no job. Workforce training must lead to job placement, and people should be paid while receiving that training,” said Owens. “Central New York is becoming a global hub for tech and innovation. We must ensure that the opportunities that come with this growth reach women-, minority-, veteran-, and locally-owned businesses. It’s time for a City Hall that actively removes barriers and opens doors—for everyone.”

As part of her announcement, Owens proudly accepted the endorsement of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare union in the nation and a powerful advocate for working families.

Kevin Lockhart, CNY Vice-President of 1199SEIU, said, “The healthcare workers of 1199SEIU held candidate interviews, read through the questionnaires, and reviewed the records of the Syracuse Mayoral candidates. The members of 1199SEIU chose Sharon Owens as the most qualified candidate to be the next Mayor of Syracuse. We look forward to working with Sharon in her historic campaign and when she becomes Mayor.”

“I am honored to have the support of 1199SEIU,” Owens said. “Their long-standing fight for quality jobs, healthcare access, and economic justice aligns perfectly with my vision for a Syracuse that works for everyone.”

In addition to her promise of doubling down on Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship, Owens’ economic agenda highlights include:

• Strengthening Neighborhood Business Corridors: Grow the Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative to support small businesses and enhance neighborhood amenities.

• Equitable Development Incentives: Collaborate with the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency to ensure tax incentives benefit both investors and local communities.

• Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Increase financial and technical support for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and small business owners through the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation.

• Workforce Alignment & Support: Enhance training pipelines through programs like OnRamp and Syracuse Build, while advocating for financial assistance to help individuals complete them.

• Support for New Americans: Create pathways for entrepreneurship and workforce participation for Syracuse’s growing immigrant and refugee populations.

• Removing Barriers to Work: Partner with local stakeholders to address childcare, transportation, and other challenges that prevent people from joining the workforce.

• Faster Business Services: Digitize permit systems and streamline approvals to encourage business growth.

• Smart Housing Growth: Fully implement new zoning laws to increase affordable and market-rate housing, promote smart growth, and redevelop underutilized properties.

For more information about the campaign and full policy details, visit www.OwensForSyracuse.com.