Albany council orders anti-harassment and just-cause ordinance drafts after heated tenant-protection debate After months of Housing Advisory Commission work and extensive public comment, the council asked staff to draft an anti-harassment ordinance and a just-cause eviction ordinance (expanding covered housing types, requiring eviction filing with the city, and conditioning eviction filings on business license). A separate proposal for a rental registry plus inspections failed; the council asked staff to return with inspection program models.

Albany City Council is taking steps to protect tenants by drafting new anti-harassment and just-cause eviction ordinances amidst fierce public debate on rising rents and housing stability.

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #TenantProtection #CitizenPortal #AlbanyCity

PFM presents $31.1M portfolio, ESG rollout; managers may modestly extend duration PFM portfolio manager Justin Orsuolo reported a $31.1 million portfolio at year-end, quarterly interest earned near $309,000, and an ESG risk rating that moved slightly lower to 18.5; staff said ESG-policy implementation is effectively complete and future purchases will adhere to the policy.

Albany City's investment portfolio soared to $31.1 million by year-end, showcasing impressive performance and a commitment to low ESG risk!

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #MarketRisks #InvestmentPerformance #ESGReporting #AlbanyCity

Albany committee hears midyear budget review; finance director says balanced year-end still likely Finance Director Raina Schwartz told the Albany City standing committee the city is "cautiously optimistic" it will end the fiscal year with a balanced budget despite weak sales-tax receipts and several front-loaded expenses tied to pensions, retirements and equipment repairs.

Albany's finance director reveals a "hard fought" path to a balanced budget this fiscal year amid rising costs and lagging sales tax revenues.

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #RevenueCollection #AlbanyCity #BudgetTransparency

Council asks about ICE activity; staff says operations occur but few operational details were provided Councilors asked whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had operated in Albany since the last meeting. City staff said there "has been activity" but that they are not briefed on operational details; the police department is notified when ICE will be in town to 'deconflict' operations, and staff promised to provide verifiable information if available.

Councilor McLeod is pushing for transparency as city staff reveals that ICE has been active in Albany without providing key operational details.

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #AlbanyCity #PublicSafety #ImmigrationPolicy #CivicAccountability

Albany secures Coastal Conservancy grant for Albany Hill wildfire resilience and monarch habitat trial The city won a Coastal Conservancy grant with El Cerrito to fund a demonstration wildfire‑resilience and habitat project on Albany Hill that includes selective removal of 25–50 trees on the Taft side, planting 24 trial monarch‑friendly trees, community milling workshops and workforce training for an urban restoration crew.

Albany and El Cerrito are teaming up to enhance wildfire resilience on Albany Hill while creating a thriving habitat for monarchs—this innovative project is set to transform our landscape!

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #AlbanyCity #WildfireResilience #PollinatorHabitat

Albany council weighs real property transfer tax and business-license study as possible revenue sources City staff outlined options for a real property transfer tax and a business-license tax study on Dec. 15; staff recommended choices on tiering and indexing while urging council direction on revenue targets. A local real-estate industry group urged caution, calling transfer taxes volatile and harmful to housing mobility.

Albany officials are considering a real property transfer tax that could reshape local housing dynamics, sparking debate over its potential impact on the community.

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #AlbanyCity #RevenueStrategy #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Council adopts multiunit property tax exemption ordinance after heated debate and mayoral tie-break After extensive debate over benefit thresholds and a proposed exclusion for the historic downtown, Albany City Council adopted an ordinance creating a multiunit property tax exemption (MUPTI) program and a companion resolution establishing program guidelines. Several proposed amendments failed; the ordinance and guidelines passed after tie votes,

Albany City Council's heated debate over the new multiunit property tax exemption program ended in a dramatic tie-breaker by the mayor, shaping the city's redevelopment future!

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #TaxExemption #PublicBenefit #AlbanyCity

Albany holds public hearing on multiunit property tax‑exemption program to incentivize housing near transit City staff presented a proposed Multiunit Property Tax Exemption (MUPTI) program and accompanying program guide and intergovernmental agreement; council discussion focused on public‑benefit criteria, eligibility, timelines and implementation steps with Linn County and local taxing districts.

Albany is set to revolutionize housing development with a new tax exemption program aimed at boosting multiunit construction near transit and community amenities.

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #TransitAccessibility #PublicBenefits #AlbanyCity

Albany committee backs adding value statements to ESG investment policy, forwards to council The Audit and Fiscal Sustainability Standing Committee voted to recommend that the City Council adopt an updated investment policy that includes a value statement for Albany's ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing approach and to allow staff to refine legal language before council review.

Albany's committee is pushing for a groundbreaking value statement in its investment policy, aiming to enhance transparency in ESG decisions and human rights considerations.

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #ESGInvestment #HumanRightsExclusions #AlbanyCity

Albany City Council Explores Local Fuel Tax Options for Street Repairs Council discusses potential local fuel tax rates and upcoming election timing to fund street maintenance.

Albany's city council is diving deep into the debate over a local fuel tax to revitalize our crumbling streets, but will residents support the change?

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #PublicEducation #AlbanyCity #InfrastructureFunding

Albany City Council approves revised bicycle parking requirements for new developments Council members revise bike parking rules, increasing requirements for multi-residence buildings.

Albany is making strides to become a bike-friendly haven by enhancing parking regulations and embracing vibrant bike rack designs!

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CyclingAccessibility #SustainabilityInitiatives #UrbanDesign #AlbanyCity

Albany City Council Debates Traffic Policies and Housing Ordinances Amid Public Concerns Council discusses public comments on traffic enforcement and proposed construction excise tax.

Heated debates erupted at the Albany City Council meeting as residents clash over a controversial Construction Excise Tax and calls for accountability from elected officials.

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #CivicEngagement #AlbanyCity

Albany City Council acknowledges Ohlone tribe during standing committee meeting Albany Council recognizes Ohlone tribe's history and commits to building relationships.

Albany City Council takes a bold step towards financial sustainability while honoring the Ohlone tribe's rich history—what does this mean for the community's future?

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #IndigenousRelations #AlbanyCity

Albany City Council votes on funding request for Film Fest documentary series Council approves funding for Albany Film Fest's new documentary series focusing on social justice.

The Albany City Council just approved funding for an inspiring documentary series tackling social justice themes, celebrating the film festival's 15th anniversary!

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #AlbanyCity #SocialJustice #PublicProcesses

Albany council votes on climate-friendly area package for future development Council members aim to establish a sustainable framework for Albany's long-term growth.

Albany's City Council is paving the way for a sustainable future with a groundbreaking climate-friendly area package—will they vote to shape a greener tomorrow?

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#AlbanyCityLinnCounty #OR #FuturePlanning #AlbanyCity #EnvironmentalSustainability #ClimateAction

Albany Transportation Commission outlines Phase 10 sidewalk improvement plans Commission recommends council authorize construction for 40 new sidewalk repair locations.

Albany's Transportation Commission is set to enhance pedestrian safety by tackling 40 new sidewalk repair locations this fall—are you ready for safer streets?

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#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #AlbanyCity #PublicSafety #UrbanAccessibility

Albany residents urge city council to prioritize street repairs over electric vehicle charging stations Albany residents urge city council to prioritize infrastructure and essential services amid rapid growth.

Albany residents are sounding the alarm on infrastructure issues, urging the city council to prioritize essential street repairs over new electric vehicle charging stations as the population continues to grow.

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#AlbanyCity #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AlbanyCityCouncil