Capital District Times

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan has presented the proposed budget for the City of Albany for 2025. In her announcement, she emphasized the city's progress over the past decade and highlighted significant investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community services.

Mayor Sheehan stated, “Over the last 11 years, we have worked closely together to turn challenges into opportunities.” She noted that Albany has moved from financial borrowing to securing substantial funding and providing competitive wages to essential workers. The mayor attributed these achievements to foundational work towards a sustainable future and support from federal legislation like President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.

The proposed budget aims to enhance public safety with contributions from Governor Hochul's investment in New York State’s largest Crime Analysis Center at APD Headquarters. It also plans to create non-sworn positions within the police department to allow more officers to be active in neighborhoods.

Mental health services are addressed through Albany Navigates, a program launched in partnership with Albany County. This initiative has already shown results with numerous encounters and admissions through its Street Outreach Team.

Investments in recreational facilities include grants for new pools, community centers, and playground revitalizations. Infrastructure improvements are also planned with millions allocated for streets, sidewalks, traffic safety enhancements, and school zone speed cameras.

Mayor Sheehan's budget proposal includes efforts towards climate action by investing $13 million over five years for city fleet infrastructure conversion and planning post-landfill closure waste management strategies.

Workforce investment is another priority with an increase in living wage rates and settlements reached with multiple bargaining units. The "Albany For All" program continues its support for small businesses, affordable housing projects, refugee assistance, and community center expansions.

Securing grant resources remains crucial as funds are sought for roadways, recreation facilities, youth development programs, gun violence elimination efforts, sustainability initiatives, urban forestry projects, and housing rehabilitation.

In addressing state aid issues faced by Albany due to tax-exempt properties owned by New York State within city limits valued at over $6.5 billion—more than the entire taxable base—Mayor Sheehan stressed that maintaining city services without fair state aid is unsustainable. The city requests permanent adjustments under New York State Public Lands Law tied to tax levy growth factors moving forward.

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