Onondaga County

BIOGRAPHY

Legislator Nicole Watts serves as Chairwoman of the Onondaga County Legislature and represents the 9th District. She brings a deep commitment to community building as well as improving human services and responsive local government. Watts is an established grassroots leader and minister, refugee advocate, and nonprofit organizer. Her work has centered supporting families, New Americans, and underserved communities in ways that promote dignity, stability, and build connection among neighbors. 

As founder of Hopeprint, Watts helped expand access to essential services for newly arriving families, connected residents to education advancement and work opportunities, and lead by example to establish culturally inclusive support networks.  

As Chairwoman, Legislator Watts brings an accessible, relationship‑driven approach to the legislature. She prioritizes listening to residents, strengthening transparency, and ensuring people-focused policies that reflect the needs of working families. She works closely with all members of the legislature, community partners, and County leadership. 

Chairwoman Watts’s priorities include:

• Advancing collaborative solutions for housing, infrastructure, and community stability

• Establishing transparency and engagement in county government