FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
When: Friday, April 25, 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration & Location: This online forum will be conducted via Zoom. Registration is free and open to everyone.
Topic: Join FOCUS for a timely conversation on how our region is shaping the places where we live.
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.
How will the County and City respond to this challenge? Closer to Micron, will we build walkable “town growth centers”, as recommended by the County, where houses, apartments, and townhouses surround a retail and office core? Or will new suburban housing continue the patterns of the past: more single-family houses on large lots? How much of this new housing will be built in the City? Can the City leverage this new development to help it address its affordable housing crisis?
Panelists & Sponsor:
Troy Waffner, Planning Director, Onondaga County Department of Planning
Click Here To Learn More
Troy Waffner is currently the Director of Planning for Onondaga County. Previously, he worked for the New York State Assembly and Senate in various legislative and policy roles as well as the Director of the New York State Fair. He has two rescue pups named Poppy and Henry.
Katelyn Kriesel, Town Councilor, Manlius, New York
Click Here To Learn More
Term of Office: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2025
Liaison / Committees
- Budget & Finance
- Economic Development
- Sustainable Manlius
- Planning & Development Liaison
Michelle Sczpanski, Deputy Commissioner, Neighborhood and Business Development, City of Syracuse
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Michelle Sczpanski is the Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development for the City of Syracuse. Her portfolio includes a range of initiatives aimed at promoting safe, affordable, and quality housing, including neighborhood planning, housing development, federal and state grant program administration, and lead hazard reduction. Sczpanski joined the City staff in 2016. She served as its Director of Housing & Neighborhood Planning, in which she led the development of the city’s Resurgent Neighborhood Initiative strategy and infill housing plan. She has also played a key role in advancing the City’s strategic code enforcement efforts by leading the creation of its community housing ambassador program, overseeing efforts to require banks and loan servicers to bring vacant properties into code compliance, and supporting the implementation of Syracuse’s rental inspection and lead paint ordinances. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received bachelor’s of arts degrees in policy studies, citizenship & civic engagement, and public relations. Outside of her role at the City, she has served as a member of the board of directors of the Near Westside Initiative. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddling, climbing, and backpacking through the many diverse landscapes Upstate and Central New York have to offer.
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the April 2025 FOCUS Forum. EDR’s support enables us to continue providing free access to this valuable educational resource.
| Founded in 1979, EDR is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions arrived at through collaboration with our clients and allies. EDR’s mission is dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment – for our clients, for our employees, and for our communities. Our diverse Practice Areas include Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Cultural Resources, Community Planning, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by our Operations team that includes Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications. |
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