Public Works

City of Albany Intersection

The Public Works Department is responsible for all maintenance, engineering, and improvement of Albany's public infrastructure, including:

  • City Buildings & Facilities
  • Parks, Creeks & Open Space
  • Sewers & Storm Drains
  • Streets & Sidewalks
  • Urban Forestry

Public Works manages operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for the above facilities, and executes capital improvement projects in all areas, in partnership with other City departments. Public Works is responsible for the City's Capital Improvement Plan, which identifies a comprehensive workplan for implementing public improvement projects.

Public Works coordinates many types of construction projects throughout the City. This can include projects of all sizes, including smaller upgrades to City facilities performed by staff, all the way to the largest construction efforts, such as annual sewer rehabilitation work. Projects that are expected to have larger impacts during construction or or are of particular interest to the community are documented here.

Learn more about current and upcoming City projects.

The City of Albany's Public Works Department provides key information and policies to guide infrastructure management and environmental initiatives. Funding comes from diverse sources, including local measures, taxes, grants, and state allocations. Policies cover areas like stormwater management, urban forestry, and sewer systems, supported by long-term plans like the Biennial Operating Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Additional resources include the Private Sewer Lateral Program and forthcoming initiatives for small business equity.

The City of Albany's Public Works Department offers various programs to enhance community infrastructure and environmental stewardship. These include the Clean Water Program, which focuses on protecting water quality, and the Sidewalk Program, which supports maintenance and repair. The Urban Forestry Program promotes the health and sustainability of the city’s trees, while the Sewer System Management Plan ensures reliable wastewater services. These programs collectively aim to maintain infrastructure integrity and environmental well-being for Albany residents.

To report any of the following issues:
  • Sanitary sewer overflows
  • Active illicit discharges
  • Traffic signal not working
  • Broken glass in the public right-of-way
  • Tree emergency threatening imminent safety

During Business Hours (M-F 8a-5p) call Public Works at (510) 524-9543.

After Hours, Weekends, and Holidays call the Albany Police non-emergency at (510)-525-7300.

For all other issues, please request assistance via our Service Request Portal.

View current Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Invitations to Bid from the City of Albany. You can also sign up for email notifications by selecting the “RFP, RFQ & Bids” category under Notifications, News & Alerts. Past bid results are also available for review.

The City of Albany's Public Works Department provides a range of resources to support the community’s infrastructure and environmental needs. Key resources include street sweeping schedules, sewer system maintenance information, storm drain programs, and guidelines for sidewalk repairs. Additionally, the department offers details on the Clean Water Program, urban forestry initiatives, and waste reduction services. Explore these resources for comprehensive information on maintaining and improving Albany’s infrastructure.

The Public Works Department oversees the care and management of Albany’s Urban Forest, which includes approximately 6,000 trees in streetscapes, parks, and open spaces such as Albany Hill. While the City maintains overall stewardship, property owners are responsible for the upkeep of Street Trees adjacent to their property. The City provides guidance and support to help residents care for these trees.

To report a tree or tree-related sidewalk issue, contact City Arborist/Urban Forester John Hawkridge at urbanforestry@albanyca.org or call Public Works at 510-524-9543.

Learn more about urban forestry in Albany.