The Albany County Legislature unanimously adopted the County’s spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. With a focus on economic development and enhancing neighborhood communities, the 2023 budget creates a framework that not only sets the County up for this upcoming year, but also ensures sustainability for years to come.

“The 2023 budget makes it clear that Albany County is not only looking for new and innovative ways to help our communities and residents thrive, but is also bringing these plans to fruition. The Legislature’s wide-reaching and comprehensive investments mean continued economic growth locally and essential programming for youth and historically underserved communities,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “We thank Audit and Finance Chairwoman Wanda Willingham and our Audit and Finance Committee members for their diligent work, as well as County Executive Dan McCoy and his team for presenting a sound and feasible proposal to build on.”

County Executive Daniel P. McCoy presented his proposal to the Legislature on October 7, totaling $756.8 million. Over the past few weeks, the Legislature has worked diligently with different agencies and departments making various alterations to the final spending plan to ensure that all crucial projects and priorities are accounted for. The tax levy totals $99,752,250 and with a tax rate of $3.17 per $1,000 of equalized value, property owners will see a slight decrease in 2023.

Now more than ever, growing and sustaining a strong economy is at priority. There is a renewed focus on economic development with the Legislature providing $250,000 in operational funding for the Advanced Albany County Alliance, which was formed in 2020 to focus on strategies to attract and retain business while prioritizing workforce development. In addition to welcoming new business, the Legislature’s $20,000 investment toward efforts to establish a countywide beverage trail will help support the businesses already operating in Albany County. This initiative highlights the wide assortment of craft beverage production businesses in the County while attracting patrons and tourists to the area. Earlier this year, the Legislature approved an initial investment of $30,000 to create wayfinding signs and authorizing an application to be submitted to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for the designation of an Albany County Beverage Trail.

Efforts will also continue in 2023 to make Albany a film destination through a partnership with Discover Albany. The Legislature is allocating an additional $91,000 for Discover Albany’s marketing and advertising efforts to attract big name productions to the area. When large productions film here, it gives opportunity to local nonprofits like Youth FX that engages youth interested in film and media.

Ensuring the County’s youth can excel remains a priority, and as such, the Legislature continues to ensure funding that enhances recreational programs while offering additional opportunities. Approximately $15,000 is being added to the Albany County Parks and Recreation budget for youth programming at the Watervliet Civic Center, a venture that was announced this summer and helps keep children in safe and educational programs after school

Other notable community investments include $10,000 for a county Hometown Heroes Banner program, which recognizes active duty and veteran service members, living and deceased; as well as funding to support initiatives presented by the Legislative Task Forces to promote healthy and safe programming for youth and work with community organizations to ensure all individuals can access opportunities to learn, socialize and develop life skills in their neighborhoods.

“We know that certain neighborhoods have been historically underserved which directly impacts youth and their ability to thrive. This funding allows the county to support and partner with boots on the ground community organizations that have a unique ability to effect positive change. I am so pleased as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee to have worked with my colleagues on a 2023 spending plan for Albany County that helps sustain economic growth, expands on opportunities to assist communities in need, and provides the necessary resources to promote safe and healthy communities in low income areas.” stated Audit and Finance Chairwoman Wanda Willingham. “I want to thank Chairman Joyce, Majority Leader Feeney, my Audit and Finance Vice Chair, Legislator Matt Peter, and all the members who participated in making this budget the success that it is.”

The Legislature’s initiatives are all in addition to the approximately $4 million being invested for Sustainable, Technology and Green Energy (STAGE) Act initiatives and $3 million for the Albany County Improvement Initiative. This funding will be focused in different community sectors at a hyper local level, with a goal of improving the quality of life for the citizens who live and work in the County.

 “Once again, Albany County is providing a balanced budget that ensures financial stability while addressing the needs of our residents and businesses. I am proud to support this budget that also includes various investments to ensure our future growth but doesn’t raise taxes,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney. “As Majority Leader, I commend my fellow Legislators, our Chairman Andrew Joyce and County Executive McCoy for their hard work throughout this process, and believe this budget reflects what the people of Albany County have come to know and trust.”