The Albany County Legislature is prepared to review the $902 million proposed 2026 Albany County Budget it received from County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today.

The proposal remains below the county’s tax cap, with the total budget 6.49% larger than the current 2025 spending plan. Early analysis indicates that the proposal is fiscally sound with deeper scrutiny planned for the next few weeks.

While much of the 2026 proposal aligns closely with previous County budgets and legislative goals, Legislative leadership was pleased to see two key initiatives, including:

• Affordable Housing – As the Legislature continues to lead through its Housing Agenda, it looks forward to collaborating with the Advance Albany County Alliance for the upcoming creation of a revolving loan fund to support local developers.
  
  
• Youth Programming – The launch of the proposed Youth Safety & Leadership Pathways initiative and the Juvenile Justice Youth Advisory Committee will continue to educate and promote public safety.

Both proposed youth programs complement the Legislature’s leadership through Improvement Initiative Grant Opportunities that focus on anti-bullying education by schools and non-profits throughout Albany County.

The Legislature’s full grant portfolio supports municipal parks, tobacco use prevention education, and women’s health initiatives. There are plans to launch a new program focusing on small businesses in 2026.

Procedurally, the Legislature’s next step is a meeting between the county’s Department of Management and Budget and the Audit and Finance Committee, in the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building’s Cahill Room tomorrow, October 16, at 5:30 p.m.

The Audit and Finance Committee has also scheduled a series of budget hearings with county department leaders from October 20-23 in the Cahill Room. All meetings start at 5:30 p.m.

Following the budget hearings, a public hearing is scheduled to be held in the William J. Conboy II Legislative Chambers within the Albany County Courthouse at 16 Eagle Street on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m.

A final Legislature budget vote is expected on Monday, December 8.

All legislative and committee meetings are open to the public. A complete schedule, full agendas, live video feeds, and a public feedback form are all available at albanycountyny.gov/government/departments/county-legislature.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “This is what the Albany County Legislature is here to do. It is an enormous responsibility. We know these are uncertain times financially with federal decisions directly affecting both state- and county-level programming and funding. However, our County Executive and his team have kept us on a steady financial course for years. This Legislature will analyze every detail of this proposed budget to ensure that residents and taxpayers in Albany County will all have access to as many services, protections, and opportunities that we can possibly provide.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee Wanda Willingham said: “I am honored to once again begin this journey on behalf of all Albany County residents and taxpayers. This is a long, step-by-step process that is in service of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Albany County. While there are a number of traditional areas that we will address, I am particularly excited to continue our vital work on affordable housing that I believe will benefit seniors, veterans, families in need, and truly everyone in Albany County.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “The Democratic Majority has always approached the budget process with a clear focus on fiscal responsibility and measurable results. We remain committed to maintaining Albany County’s strong financial position while ensuring that every dollar is directed toward programs that deliver meaningful benefits for residents. This proposal provides a foundation for continued stability, and the Legislature looks forward to refining it in a way that strengthens essential services and reflects our long-term priorities.”