Published on May 16, 2024
The New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has selected the City of Syracuse as a winner of NYCOM’s Local Government Achievement Award for 2024. The awards program, in its 35th year, recognized Syracuse for expanding equitable broadband access through its Surge Link™ program.
In commenting on the award, NYCOM President Kathy M. Sheehan, Mayor of the City of Albany, stated: “I want to commend the City of Syracuse for developing and implementing this outstanding initiative that will bring broadband to more of its residents. This increased connectivity for the City’s most vulnerable populations will improve educational opportunities, access to vital services and economic prosperity for residents and small businesses alike. This is truly transformational and I congratulate Mayor Walsh on addressing this crucial issue of equitable internet connectivity.”
Historically, most of Syracuse has been served by a single internet provider, which results in fewer market offerings and generally higher prices for home internet. Data from the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) revealed that approximately 24% of Syracuse households lacked reliable access to broadband Internet. In October 2023, Syracuse opened enrollment for Surge Link™ with a goal of reaching 2,500 lower-income households in three city neighborhoods with low internet subscription by the end of 2024 - and the City is on track to meet that timeline. The full $3.5 million initial investment is funded using Syracuse's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.
The award will be presented on May 16th at NYCOM’s Annual Meeting in Bolton Landing. NYCOM represents 575 cities and villages in New York State and has been in existence since 1910.
For media inquiries, members of the press should contact the Office of Communications by emailing press@syr.gov.