2025 Year In Review
Published on January 29, 2026
2025 was a year of thoughtful planning, visible improvements, and meaningful community connection in Albany. From infrastructure investments and park enhancements to public safety upgrades and community events, the City continued working toward a future that reflects the community’s values and everyday needs. We look forward to continuing to serve the Community in 2026.
In 2025, the City completed major initiatives and achieved significant accomplishments in:
Albany adopted a new five-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan in 2025, outlining $62.8 million in infrastructure investments across 44 projects. City Council authorized $34 million for the first three years, setting important improvements in motion.
Public Works completed Phase 10 of the Sidewalk Repair Program, fixing nearly 3,000 square feet of sidewalk at 38 locations. Safety and accessibility remained top priorities, guided by Citywide sidewalk survey data. In addition, more than 2,100 sidewalk hazards were addressed through annual sidewalk shaving, and a new comprehensive sidewalk survey is underway and expected to be completed in early 2026.
To improve pedestrian visibility and safety, the City installed over 5,200 linear feet of red curbing throughout Albany in response to new State parking requirements at intersections.
Albany also remained in full compliance with all regulatory requirements for managing its sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.
A new Street Tree Management Plan was completed to guide long-term care and expansion of the City’s tree canopy.
The City completed the Albany Hill Forest Management & Habitat Restoration Plan, reflecting community input and establishing a vision for the future of Albany Hill. The plan addresses management of aging Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees while protecting and enhancing Monarch butterfly overwintering habitat.
Park improvements also continued in response to community feedback, including Memorial Dog Park Improvements, creating a more welcoming space for residents and their pets.
In 2025, Albany strengthened its readiness for emergencies by updating its Emergency Operations Plan. The updated plan provides a clear, unified framework for responding to disasters and extraordinary events, supported by comprehensive staff training.
Two Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes trained more than 40 residents in disaster response skills, empowering neighbors to assist during emergencies.
First responders upgraded to new portable and mobile radios and next-generation body-worn cameras, improving communication, transparency, and accountability. The City also successfully implemented the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, which supports investigations by identifying stolen or suspect vehicles and alerting investigators when those vehicles enter the city.
Temporary assistance programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act continued to support Albany residents through grocery distribution, recreation subsidies, and rental assistance. In 2025:
- 30 households received rental assistance or housing debt relief
- 53 after-school and camp subsidies were provided
- 1,158 grocery cards were distributed
The City also focused on bringing people together. Albany hosted its first City Hall Open House, offering residents a fun, casual opportunity to meet City staff, departments, and Council Members.
Dinner with Albany returned at Memorial Park, bringing neighbors together for an evening of music, art, and a shared meal in a welcoming community setting.
Albany continued implementing its soft-story retrofit program to improve earthquake safety in older multi-family housing.
The City also provided ongoing support during the planning and construction of the 62-unit SAHA affordable housing development, the largest affordable housing investment in Albany’s history.
The City continued offering grant programs to support Albany’s business community, including:
- Business Attraction Grants
- Business Façade Improvement Grants
- Window & Door Repair Grants
- Parklet Grants
These programs helped attract new businesses, fill vacant storefronts, improve commercial areas, and assist business owners with startup, renovation, and safety compliance costs. This ongoing effort has gained positive media attention, with news stories highlighting Albany’s commercial district as an increasingly popular destination for new businesses, especially restaurants.
In support of Albany’s Climate Action & Adaptation goals, the City transitioned equipment and facilities from gas-powered to electric where feasible. Updates included electric landscaping equipment, heat-pump water heaters at Fire and Police facilities, and a new Level 2 EV charger at Public Works to support future fleet upgrades.
Residents are part of this transition, too. The City Council expanded Albany’s heat pump rebate program to include heat-pump water heaters, making it more affordable for households to choose electric. The response has been strong. Last year 80% of newly permitted HVAC systems and 60% of water heaters were electric, clear evidence that Albany residents are embracing cleaner energy options when given the opportunity.
A Habitat Restoration Internship Program was launched to provide local youth with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and natural resource management.
The City also implemented a Sustainable Foodware Ordinance, helping food-related businesses shift to more environmentally responsible utensils and packaging.
Albany launched a redesigned City website in 2025, improving accessibility, navigation, and access to City information and services.
Throughout the year, the City shared 73 newsletters and community notifications with residents and businesses. Three seasonal Activity Guides were released with a refreshed, easy-to-read design highlighting recreation programs, camps, events, and City services.
To gather community input, the City conducted three surveys focused on wildfire preparedness, Active Transportation Plan feedback focused on the business community, and overall satisfaction with City services.
The City also introduced a new series of topic-focused Expos, including Safety, Planning, Sustainable Foodware, Business Resources, and Community Resources. These events provided opportunities for deeper conversations and hands-on engagement, including a Citywide Planning Expo, Community Safety Expo, and Business Expo tailored to Albany’s needs.