The Albany County Legislature passed the $902 million 2026 Albany County Adopted Budget unanimously in the William J. Conboy II Legislative Chambers within the Albany County Courthouse on Tuesday.

After adjusting nearly $3.6 million of the proposal submitted by Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy in October, the 2026 spending plan aligns closely with legislative goals while cutting county property tax rates for the 12th consecutive year ($2.56 per $1,000 in assessed property value in 2026 vs. $2.73 per $1,000 in 2025; $3.95 per $1,000 in 2014). 

The adopted budget also prepares county coffers for potential funding challenges that may arise from the federal “Big, Beautiful Bill”.

The Legislature emphasized bolstering grant programs that directly impact the community in the 2026 spending plan, designating approximately $925,000 in grant funding primarily for Improvement Initiative Grants and the Community Development, Public Health, and Safety Fund Program. The Legislature has utilized both programs to reinvest nearly $2 million in anti-bullying education, tobacco use prevention, women’s health initiatives, public parks and playgrounds, and programming for youth, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans throughout Albany County over the past two years.

The 2026 adopted budget also includes a $200,000 expansion of the Legislature’s grant portfolio, specifically aimed at supporting small businesses. Details about the new program, which will be run in collaboration with the County Executive’s Office, and how to apply will be announced next year.

This direct infusion of business growth grant funding is part of a historic investment of $16 million into the county’s economic development through the Advance Albany County Alliance (AACA), Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA), and Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize the Economy (STAGE) Act as well.

The 2026 Adopted Budget now goes to County Executive Daniel P. McCoy for his signature.

2026 Adopted Budget Highlights

• Overall budget - $902 million ($847 million in 2025)
• Revenues (not exhaustive list)
  • ~$383.4 million – Sales taxes (+2% from ~$376 million in 2025)
  • ~$103.7 million – Property taxes (+2% from ~$101 million in 2025)
    • Well below New York State Tax Cap limit of $106.3 million
  • ~$105 million – New York State
  • ~$103 million – federal government
  • ~$72 million – department and miscellaneous income
  • ~$20.9 million – county’s general fund for mandated operational costs
    • General fund will have ~$138 million total at the end of 2025
• Expenditures (not exhaustive list)
  • ~$288.6 million – Economic, social, medical, children and family services
  • ~$258.9 million – General operations
  • ~$138.4 million – Sales tax to local municipalities
  • ~$128.3 million – Public safety
  • ~$10 million – Capital and Debt reserves
• Property tax rate will fall ~6% to $2.56 per $1,000 in assessed property value
  • $2.73 per $1,000 in 2025
  • $3.95 per $1,000 in 2014
• 12th consecutive year cutting county property tax rate
• $900,000 for Legislature's Grant Programs
  • $200,000 addition for small business support
• Historic $16 million investment into economic development through Advance Albany County Alliance (AACA), Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA), and Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize the Economy (STAGE) Act
• Plans out over $2.5 million in “seed money” for phased-in implementation of pending revolving loan fund legislation for affordable housing (Local Law L)
• Federal "Big, Beautiful Bill" may put financial pressure on the county in 2027 budget

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “This is a budget that accounts for immediate priorities and long-term plans. It is a difficult and complex balance to strike, but I believe we have done it through one of the smoothest budget seasons I can remember. I applaud our legislators for digging into the details of the proposed budget and making the necessary adjustments to ensure that everyone in Albany County is served equitably and that this process was fair and transparent. I also thank our County Executive, his team, and all of the department leaders who created this fiscally sound budget, answered every question, and remain passionate about serving the people.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman, Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee Wanda Willingham said: “I am proud to be part of the Legislative team that reviewed and collaborated to amend the initial plan that the County Executive presented. As Audit and Finance Chair, I truly appreciated how professional, diligent, and active all of our legislators were throughout our hearings. I believe this is a plan that serves all of the people in Albany County, not just next year, but also prepares us for challenges in the future.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “As counties across the nation prepare for potential reductions or shifts in federal support, it is more important than ever that we adopt a budget grounded in sound fiscal management. The 2026 plan strengthens our financial position, keeps Albany County below the tax cap, and reinforces the Legislature’s commitment to long-term stability. By investing strategically and building resilience into our reserves, we are positioning the county to navigate whatever challenges may emerge from federal budget decisions, while continuing to serve residents, families, and communities responsibly.”

Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chair Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “Approving a budget that balances both the short and long-term needs of the constituents we serve is a vital responsibility of the Legislature. I am grateful to be part of a legislative team that approached this task with diligence and careful attention. In a time of financial uncertainty, I am proud that this budget keeps our community at the forefront, as reflected in continued investments in grants for our local organizations.”