Public engagement during Phase 2 focused on identifying the investment opportunities and policies most likely to drive meaningful change in Downtown Albany. This stage was designed to refine the Strategy’s emerging building blocks and priority areas, serving as a framework for future development rather than a final selection of specific projects.

Outreach efforts were guided by the project’s core engagement principles of continuous transparency, accessibility, flexibility, and trust to ensure an inclusive and responsive process that represents the diverse voices and needs of Downtown Albany.

Phase 2 connected with the community through:

300-Person Public Open House
The second public event for the Downtown Albany Strategy was an Open House held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Approximately 300 participants attended. The Open House provided the public updates on the planning process, shared investment opportunities and policies, and gathered feedback on specific strategies to refine focus areas.

Online Questionnaire
From December 2 to December 16, an online questionnaire was available to gather input from those unable to attend the Open House, and 155 responses were recorded. The questionnaire replicated the engagement activities from the in-person event, inviting participants to share feedback on proposed investment bundles and strategies.

Youth Focus Group
On December 10, the Downtown Albany Strategy team, in collaboration with Reimagine I-787 and Reconnect the Plaza, conducted a youth-centric focus group about the future of Downtown Albany. The focus group included about 30 youth, young adults, and youth organizers. Participation was coordinated by We Are Revolutionary, the Boys and Girls Club, Capital District YMCA, and the City of Albany Department of Youth and Workforce Services. Participants identified changes that would make Downtown Albany a place where they would choose to stay and build their lives.

Phase 2 Materials

• Phase 2 Engagement Summary
• Open House Boards
• Open House Guidebook