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.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum was held in-person at the Central New York Philanthropy Center, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Topic: FOCUS held a hybrid public forum where leaders from the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County shared their perspectives on civic engagement and highlighted the community priorities where residents can engage, contribute, and actively participate in 2026. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moved to a moderated Q&A, giving registrants the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.
Panelists & Sponsor:
Corey Driscoll Dunham, Deputy Mayor, City of Syracuse
Rita Paniagua, President, City of Syracuse Common Council
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Rita Paniagua was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been a resident in Syracuse since June of 2003. Her 35 years experience in Business Administration, Fundraising and Public Relations has been instrumental to her success in Syracuse. Paniagua also brings with her experience in performing arts, radio, and special events production.
Since her arrival, Rita has been committed to serve the Syracuse community at all levels. She was appointed the Executive Director at the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, which opened the doors to subsequent work with the New York State Puerto Rico/Hispanic Taskforce. In 2016, Paniagua was elected as a Commissioner of Education for the Syracuse City School District, and in 2019 was elected to the Syracuse Common Council as a Councilor-at-Large.
Among her many responsibilities, Rita currently serves on the Board of Directors for: the New York State Council of the Arts; CNY Arts; Interfaith Works; and Cancer Connects. She is also a Council Member for the Alliance of Economic Inclusion, and the CNY Regional Economic Development Council. Additionally, Rita is the Co-Chair of the Greater Syracuse HOPE Anti-Poverty Initiative.
Nicole Watts, Chairwoman, Onondaga County Legislature
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Nicole Watts is the Legislator-Elect for District 9 (Syracuse’s Northside) and Nominated Chairwoman of the Onondaga County Legislature, known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to equitable, community-centered governance. As President and CEO of Hopeprint, she has championed transformative work with refugees, immigrants, and long-time residents on Syracuse’s Northside, advocating for neighborhood revitalization, mobility access, and inclusive economic opportunity. She brings to county government a proven record of strategic leadership, thoughtful stewardship of public resources, and deep engagement with diverse communities, grounded in a vision of an Onondaga County where every resident can belong, contribute, and thrive.
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the January 2026 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. |
Join us in making a difference by becoming a sponsor and helping sustain this impactful program. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses who are eager to make a positive impact.