Government > Departments > Development & Planning

The Department of Development & Planning

The Department of Development and Planning is a dynamic and interdisciplinary office of professional planners, economic developers, and environmental and technical specialists dedicated to promoting progressive urban planning, land use controls, economic development and sustainable living in the City of Albany.

The Department of Development and Planning works with the community on long-range planning and neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, as well as a multitude of other initiatives including the promotion of bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity, historic conservation and land use regulation, and business and economic development.

The Planning Department is also responsible for administrative programs, including the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, and currently manages over $2 million in Federal, State and private grants dedicated for innovative and transformational projects.

LAND USE
Services administered by the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Board, and Historic Resources Commission play an indispensable role in City operations. Through site plan review and the interdepartmental technical review committee, land use planning staff coordinate input from multiple local, State, and Federal agencies to ensure that current and future development is consistent with the vision outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Albany 2030.

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Albany Community Development Agency (ACDA)is the coordinator for all housing activities in the City and works closely with independent agencies including Albany Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity. Together, these organizations revitalize neighborhoods by combating unsanitary and deteriorated conditions through conservation, reconstruction and redevelopment planning. One mission of the ACDA is to strengthen and stabilize Albany neighborhoods by increasing the rate of homeownership in the City. ACDA employs a centralized, "one-stop" facility for residents interested in buying and maintaining a home in the City. 

      ALBANY 2030, THE CITY OF ALBANY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Planning staff are also charged with the authority and implementation of Albany 2030, the City’s first Comprehensive Plan.  With the help of City residents and community stakeholders, this new City-wide guidance document was created to reflect community values and priorities.  The final plan was adopted on April 2, 2012.   Visit Albany 2030 to read the full plan. 

       Follow Albany 2030!  


           MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
The Department of Development and Planning also staffs the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, which works closely with regional partners and other City Departments (such as General Services and the Water Department) to design and implement programs that protect our natural environment, reduce energy, waste, and associated costs. This Office focuses on programs that advance Albany as a hub for innovation and livability. Major areas of focus include greenhouse gas reduction programs; improving water quality, waste reduction programs; energy-efficiency and renewable energy promotion; and regional sustainability planning.  Learn more about Sustainble Community Projects in Albany.     

      Follow the Office of Energy & Sustainability! 



RESOURCES 
Planning Department's Year End Report
Division of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance
Economic Development
Neighborhood Planning
Waterfront Revitaliztion

Contact Information