Capital District Times

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan delivered her final State of the City address, reflecting on her 12-year tenure marked by significant transformation and community engagement. During her time as mayor, Sheehan tackled various challenges including a $16 million structural deficit, aging infrastructure, high poverty levels, and the closure of the city's landfill.

Under her leadership since 2014, Albany has seen a reduction in poverty by 25%, modernization of city infrastructure, replenishment of the rainy-day fund to $17 million, and a reduction in crime by 21% since 2013. The city also attracted substantial investments in housing and amenities, with over $1 billion secured in public and private investments.

Mayor Sheehan emphasized her vision for Albany as a city where every neighborhood is safe and thriving. Her administration's efforts included building new community centers, improving parks and recreation facilities, repaving streets, enhancing public safety measures like school zone speed cameras, and investing heavily in water and sewer infrastructure.

Sheehan's address highlighted Albany's readiness for future opportunities such as hosting the National Semiconductor Technology Center. "Transformation doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by design," she stated.

The address concluded with reflections from local leaders praising Sheehan's impact on Albany. Congressman Paul Tonko commended her for securing critical federal funding while State Senator Patricia Fahy noted transformative projects under her leadership. Assemblymember Gabriella Romero lauded Sheehan’s commitment to smart investment strategies that have laid a strong foundation for Albany’s future growth.

City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar addressed misconceptions about Albany's decline: "Our property values are higher than they have ever been...our population is over 100,000 people." He credited Mayor Sheehan with setting the city on a path toward continued success.

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