Sharon Owens Sworn In as Syracuse Mayor, Making History

Sharon Owens was officially sworn in as mayor of Syracuse on Jan. 1, marking a historic moment as the first Black person and second woman to hold the city’s top elected office.

Owens took the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony attended by city officials, community leaders, family members and residents, ushering in a new administration following her victory in the November general election. Her swearing-in makes her Syracuse’s 55th mayor.

In her inaugural address, Owens emphasized unity, public safety, economic opportunity and restoring trust between City Hall and residents. She pledged to lead an administration focused on transparency, accountability and neighborhood investment, saying her goal is to ensure every resident feels “seen, heard and valued.”

“This city belongs to all of us,” Owens said. “My administration will work to strengthen our neighborhoods, support working families and build a Syracuse where opportunity is shared and no one is left behind.”

Owens, a longtime public servant and former Common Councilor, campaigned on addressing rising living costs, improving public safety through community-centered approaches, and expanding economic development in underserved areas. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with Onondaga County, the Syracuse City School District and state partners to tackle long-standing challenges.

Local leaders praised the significance of the moment, calling Owens’ inauguration both a milestone for representation and an opportunity for renewed civic engagement. Several speakers at the ceremony noted her deep roots in the community and her experience navigating city government as assets as she begins her term.

Owens succeeds former Mayor Ben Walsh, who did not seek re-election after two terms in office. During the transition, Owens assembled a leadership team aimed at balancing continuity with new perspectives, signaling a shift toward more neighborhood-focused policymaking.

The new mayor enters office as Syracuse continues to face issues related to housing affordability, infrastructure needs and economic recovery. Owens acknowledged those challenges, saying progress will require “hard conversations, shared responsibility and a commitment to doing the work together.”

Her term begins immediately, with her administration expected to outline early policy priorities in the coming weeks.