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Albany Common Council
Overview
In accordance with the City Charter, Albany is divided into 15 legislative districts or Wards. Each Ward is represented by a City resident who is elected by their constituency to serve a four-year term. Collectively the elected Ward representatives comprise the Common Council, which serves as the legislative branch of Albany's government.
Each Common Council Member functions to regulate and protect the interests of residents within their Ward, and is authorized to introduce, adopt, amend or repeal local laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations pertaining to property and government affairs within the City.
Ward boundaries are established by the Common Council. On February 21, 2013, the Common Council voted in favor of the current Ward Boundaries as proposed by the Reapportionment Commission. These boundaries have been adjusted to best represent protected groups and community of interests per the 2010 U.S. Decennial Census.
Standard Record of Activities
In accordance with Regulation 315.4 (c) of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) elected and appointed officials are required to report their Standard Record of Activities (ROA). As required, the ROA will be posted for a minimum of 30 days. View Resolution 49.71.18R (PDF) to learn more.
Caucus & Regular Meeting
The City Council meets on the first and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m caucus and 7:00 p.m regular meeting each month in the Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall (Note: when Monday falls on a legal holiday or day of special observance, the Council meeting is ordinarily moved to the following Thursday).
§ 34-4 Videoconferencing
In addition to the City of Albany's Common Council, all public bodies of the City of Albany are authorized to use videoconferencing technology to conduct their meetings in accordance with the provisions of section 103-a of the Public Officers Law . In June of 2022 the Albany Common Council passed Local Law E of 2022 which established rules for public bodies of the City of Albany to follow should members need to participate in a meeting via videoconferencing.
The public still has the right to attend virtually and we will continue to live-stream meetings to allow for virtual participation. Our goal is to continue to make the legislative process transparent and accessible and we will continue live streaming on the Common Council Facebook page and/ or the Common Council YouTube Page. Your patience, participation, and commitment to local government is greatly appreciated.
Agendas, Minutes & Meeting Documents
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Agendas with Support Legislations, Active Calendar and Minutes
See the 2021 Albany Common Council Brochure and Rule and Procedure