VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Residents weigh in on how Syracuse should use $20 million in state funding
Matthew Davison: What could an extra twenty-million dollars mean for the city of Syracuse? Well, that’s the question many residents are asking after the city received an additional state funding in New York’s enacted budget. NCC News reporter Trinity Corbett took to the Syracuse streets to find out what residents think, Trinity.
Trinity Corbett: Twenty-million dollars sounds like a lot of money. And while that funding is intended to aid cities under financial stress, residents say that the money can be used in other ways.
Olga Stepanuik: I’ve been living in Syracuse downtown for over three years now.
Corbett: And since Olga Stepanuik’s been here, she says she’s thought of several things the city could do to make things better.
Stepanuik: I think with like, you know, highways rerouting and then trying to expand downtown, I think they need to create more affordable living spaces. Not all of us have money for luxurious living.
Corbett: Stepanuik enjoys riding her bike around the city, but there’s one thing she wishes were different.
Stepanuik: Maybe more bike paths because there are people who bike.
Corbett: Others like Marieta Perez have a different vision.
Marieta Perez: For example, the homeless. The city has a few shelters, like Rescue Mission and other shelters. So if the city can look at them, they are the most needed. Maybe for beds, maybe for food, maybe for supplies.
Corbett: Despite the community’s need, some believe the money should be used to help the city directly.
Jamien Desalvin: Additionally, I think with public safety, the fire department, I know, has been trying to get a new station up and running for some time. So that could definitely be something worth investing in, in terms of staffing, getting more officers, getting more assistant officers.
Corbett: And it seems like the city may need it. In an official statement from Mayor Sharon Owens, she said the budget is a welcome investment that gives us the opportunity to balance our budget and further bolster our fiscal sustainability. She also expressed her gratitude to state lawmakers and government officials who make it possible for New Yorkers to thrive. Other cities in New York to receive funding are Yonkers, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Mount Vermont. In Syracuse, I’m Trinity Corbett, NCC News.
Davison: Trinity, thank you so much. I know you’ll keep us updated on that story as it continues to develop.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse residents are sharing their ideas for how the city could benefit from an additional $20 million in state aid included in New York’s enacted fiscal year 2027 budget.
The funding is intended to support municipalities facing financial challenges. In a statement, Mayor Sharon Owens called the additional aid “a welcome investment” that will help the city balance its budget and strengthen its long-term financial sustainability.
For some residents, the funding presents an opportunity to address housing concerns.
Olga Stepanuik, who has lived in downtown Syracuse for more than three years, said she believes the city should prioritize affordable housing as development continues.
“I think with highways rerouting and them trying to expand downtown, I think they need to create more affordable living spaces,” Stepanuik said. “Not all of us have money for luxurious living.”
Stepanuik, who regularly rides her bike around the city, also said she would like to see investments in bicycle infrastructure.
Others believe the funding could be used to address homelessness and provide additional resources for those in need.
© 2026 Trinity Corbett
“The city has a few shelters like Rescue Mission and other shelters,” said Syracuse resident Marieta Perez. “So if the city can look at them, they are the most needed. Maybe for beds, maybe for food, maybe for supplies.”
Some residents said the money should be used to strengthen city services.
Jamien Desalvin pointed to public safety needs, including support for the Syracuse Fire Department.
“Additionally, I think with public safety, the fire department has been trying to get a new fire station up and running for some time,” Desalvin said. “So that could definitely be something worth investing in in terms of staffing.”
While city officials have not announced exactly how the funding will be allocated, Owens said the aid provides an opportunity to improve the city’s financial position while continuing to serve residents.
Owens also thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers for advocating on behalf of Syracuse and securing the additional funding.
The state aid is also expected to support several other cities in New York, including Buffalo and Rochester.