Albany, New York

Albany (Mohican:Paupautanwuthyauk) [1]
State capital
Downtown Albany skyline from Rensselaer State Quad at SUNY Albany Helderberg neighborhood North Pearl Street Palace Theatre Empire State Plazafrom the Cultural Education Center
Flag Seal Coat of arms
Etymology: Named for the ScottishDuke of Albany, whose title comes from the Gaelic name for Scotland:Alba
Nicknames: Smalbany[2][a] The 518[b] Cradle of the Union[c]
Motto: Assiduity [d]
Boundaries of and major thoroughfares through Albany
Location of Albany in Albany County(upper left) and of Albany County in the State of New York(lower right)
Albany Location of Albany within the State of New York Show map of New York Albany Location within the United States Show map of the United States Albany Location within North America Show map of North America Albany Location on Earth Show map of Earth
Coordinates:42°39′09″N073°45′26″W / 42.65250°N 73.75722°W /42.65250; -73.75722
Country	United States
State	New York
Region	Capital District
County	Albany
Settled	1614; 410 years ago(1614)
Incorporated	1686; 338 years ago(1686)
Government
• Type	Strong mayor-council
•Mayor	Kathy Sheehan(D)
Area [6]
•State capital	21.94 sq mi (56.81 km2)
• Land	21.40 sq mi (55.44 km2)
• Water	0.53 sq mi (1.38 km2)
• Metro	2,811.6 sq mi (7,282 km2)
Elevation [7]	148 ft (45 m)
Highest elevation ( Loudonville [e])	378 ft (115 m)
Lowest elevation ( Hudson River [f])	2 ft (0.6 m)
Population ( 2020)
•State capital	99,224
• Estimate (2023)	101,228 (US: 331st)
• Density	4,730.28/sq mi (1,825.9/km2)
•Urban	593,142 (US: 73rd)
• Urban density	2,186.3/sq mi (844.1/km2)
•Metro	1,170,483 (US: 63rd)
• Metro density	416.3/sq mi (160.7/km2)
Demonym	Albanian[9]
Time zone	UTC−5(EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4(EDT)
ZIP Codes	12201–12212, 12214, 12220, 12222–12232
Area codes	518, 838
Geocode	977310,978659
ISO 3166 code	36-01000
FIPS code	36-01000
GNISfeature ID	977310[7]
Website	albanyny.gov

Albany(/ˈɔːlbəni/^ⓘAWL-bə-nee) is thecapitaland oldest city in theU.S. stateofNew York, and theseatof and most populous city inAlbany County. It is located on the west bank of theHudson River, about 10 miles (16 km) south of its confluence with theMohawk River.

The city is the economic and cultural core of New York State'sCapital District, a metropolitan area including the nearbycitiesand suburbs ofTroy,Schenectady, andSaratoga Springs. With an estimated population of 1.1 million in 2013, the Capital District is the third most populous metropolitan region in the state. As of 2023, Albany's population was 101,228.

The Hudson River area was originally inhabited byAlgonquian-speakingMohican.^[10]The area was settled byDutchcolonists, who builtFort Nassauin 1614 for fur trading andFort Orangein 1624. In 1664, theEnglishtook over the Dutch settlements, renaming the cityAlbanyin honor of theScottishtitle of the Duke of York (laterJames II of England and Irelandand James VII ofScotland): theDuke of Albany.^[11][12]The city was officiallycharteredin 1686 under English rule. It became the capital of New York in 1797 after the formation of the United States. Albany is the oldest surviving settlement of the original Britishthirteen coloniesnorth of Virginia.^[13]

In the late 18th century and throughout most of the 19th, Albany was a center of trade and transportation. The city lies toward the north end of the navigable Hudson River. It was the original eastern terminus of theErie Canal, connecting to theGreat Lakes, and was home to some of the earliestrailroadsin the world. In the 1920s a powerfulpolitical machinecontrolled by theDemocratic Partyarose in Albany. In the latter part of the 20th century, Albany's population shrank because ofurban sprawland suburbanization. In the 1990s, theNew York State Legislatureapproved for the city a US$234 million building and renovation plan, which spurred redevelopment downtown.^[14]In the early 21st century, Albany'shigh-technology industrygrew, with great strides innanotechnology.^[15][16]

TheHudson Riverarea was originally inhabited byAlgonquian-speakingMohican(Mahican), who called itPempotowwuthut-Muhhcanneuw, meaning "the fireplace of the Mohican nation".^[17]Based to the west along theMohawk River, the Iroquoian-speakingMohawkcalled itSche-negh-ta-da, "through the pine woods", referring to the path they took there.^[18][g]

According toHendrick Aupaumut, the Mohicans came to the area from the north and the west. They settled along the Mahicannituck, which is now called the Hudson River, and called themselves theMuh-he-con-neok, the "People of the Waters That Are Never Still".^[20]

The Mohawks, one of theFive Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, were based in the Mohawk valley and noted for their fur trading and their access to trade between the Iroquois and other nations.^[21]The Mohawk became strong trading partners with the Dutch and English. It is likely that the area was visited by European fur traders perhaps as early as 1540, but the extent and duration of those visits are unclear.^[22]

Permanent European claims began when EnglishmanHenry Hudson, exploring for theDutch East India Companyon theHalf Moon(Dutch:Halve Maen), reached the area in 1609, claiming it for theUnited Netherlands.^[23]In 1614,Hendrick ChristiaensenbuiltFort Nassauon Castle Island (now calledPort of Albany), in the Hudson River. The fort acted as afur-tradingpost and was the first documented European structure in present-day Albany. Commencement of the fur trade provoked hostility from theFrench colony in Canadaand among the natives, all of whom vied to control the trade. In 1618, a flood ruined Fort Nassau, but the Dutch replaced it withFort Orangeon the mainland in 1624.^[24]Both forts were named in honor of the leading family of the Dutch Revolt, members of theHouse of Orange-Nassau.^[25]Fort Orange and the surrounding area were incorporated as the village ofBeverwijck(English:Beaverwick or Beaver District) in 1652,^[26][27]and the city of Albany in 1686. In these early decades of trade, the Dutch, Mohican, and Mohawk developed relations that reflected differences among their three cultures.^[28]

Albany is one of theoldest surviving European settlementsfrom the originalThirteen Colonies^[29]and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States.^[h]WhenNew Netherlandwas captured by theEnglishin 1664, the name was changed fromBeverwijcktoAlbanyin honor of theDuke of Albany(later James II).^[32][i]Duke of Albany was aScottish titlegiven since 1398, generally to a younger son of theKing of Scots.^[33]The name is ultimately derived fromAlba, theGaelicname for Scotland.^[34]The Dutch briefly regained Albany in August 1673 and renamed the cityWillemstadt; the English took permanent possession in 1674 with theTreaty of Westminster.^[35]On November 1, 1683, theProvince of New Yorkwas split into counties, withAlbany Countybeing the largest: it included all of present New York State north ofDutchessandUlsterCounties in addition to present-dayBennington County, Vermont, theoretically stretching west to the Pacific Ocean;^[36][37]Albany became thecounty seat.^[38]Albany was formally chartered as a municipality byprovincial GovernorThomas Donganon July 22, 1686. TheDongan Charterwas virtually identical in content to the charter awarded to the city of New York three months earlier.^[39]Dongan created Albany as a strip of land 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and 16 miles (26 km) long.^[40]Over the years Albany would lose much of the land to the west andannexland to the north and south. At this point, Albany had a population of about 500 people.^[41]

In 1754, representatives of sevenBritish North Americancolonies met in theStadt Huys, Albany'scity hall, for theAlbany Congress;Benjamin FranklinofPennsylvaniapresented theAlbany Plan of Unionthere, which was the first formal proposal to unite the colonies.^[42]Although it was never adopted byParliament, it was an important precursor to theUnited States Constitution.^[43][j]The same year, theFrench and Indian War, the fourth in aseries of warsdating back to 1689, began. It ended in 1763 withFrench defeat, resolving a situation that had been a constant threat to Albany and held back its growth.^[44]

In 1775, with the colonies in the midst of theRevolutionary War, theStadt Huysbecame home to the AlbanyCommittee of Correspondence(the political arm of the local revolutionary movement), which took over operation of Albany's government and eventually expanded its power to control all ofAlbany County.Toriesand prisoners of war were often jailed in theStadt Huysalongside common criminals.^[45]In 1776, Albany nativePhilip Livingstonsigned theDeclaration of IndependenceatIndependence HallinPhiladelphia.^[46]

During and after the Revolutionary War, Albany County saw a great increase in real estate transactions. AfterHoratio GatesdefeatedJohn BurgoyneatSaratogain 1777, the upperHudson Valleywas generally at peace as the war raged on elsewhere. Prosperity was soon seen all overUpstate New York. Migrants from Vermont and Connecticut began flowing in, noting the advantages of living on the Hudson and trading at Albany, while being only a few days' sail from New York City.^[47]Albany reported a population of 3,498 in thefirst national censusin 1790, an increase of almost 700% since its chartering.^[41]

On November 17, 1793, fire broke out at a stable belonging toLeonard Gansevoort, destroying 26 homes on Broadway, Maiden Lane, James Street, and State Street. Three were arrested and charged witharson: Pompey, a man enslaved by Matthew Visscher; Dinah, a 14-year-old girl enslaved byVolkert P. Douw; and Bet, a 12-year-old girl enslaved byPhilip S. Van Rensselaer. On January 6, 1794, the three were sentenced to death.Governor George Clintonissued a temporary stay of execution, but Dinah and Bet were executed by hanging on March 14, and Pompey on April 11, 1794.^[48]

In 1797, thestate capitalwas moved permanently to Albany. Fromstatehoodto this date, theLegislaturehad frequently moved the state capital between Albany,Kingston,Poughkeepsie, andthe city of New York.^[49]Albany is the tenth-oldest state capital in the United States and the second-oldest city that is a state capital, afterSanta Fe, New Mexico.^[50]

Albany has been a center of transportation for much of its history. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Albany saw development of theturnpikeand by 1815, Albany was the turnpike center of the state. The development ofSimeon De Witt's gridded block system in 1794—which renamed streets that had originally honored British royalty with names ofbirds and mammalsinstead^[k]—was intersected by these major arterials coming out of Albany, cutting through the city at unexpected angles.^[53][54]The construction of the turnpike, in conjunction with canal and railroad systems, made Albany the hub of transportation for pioneers going toBuffaloand theMichigan Territoryin the early and mid-19th century.^[53][55]

In 1807,Robert Fultoninitiated asteamboatline from New York to Albany, the first successful enterprise of its kind anywhere in the world.^[56]By1810, with 10,763 people, Albany was the tenth-largest urban place in the nation.^[57]The town and village north of Albany known as "the Colonie"^[l]was annexed in 1815.^[58]In 1825 theErie Canalwas completed, forming a continuous water route from theGreat Lakesto New York City. Unlike the currentBarge Canal, which ends at nearbyWaterford, the original Erie Canal ended at Albany; Lock 1 was north of Colonie Street.^[61]The Canal emptied into a 32-acre (13 ha) man-made lagoon called theAlbany Basin, which was Albany's main port from 1825 until thePort of Albany-Rensselaeropened in 1932.^[62][63]In 1829, while working as a professor at theAlbany Academy,Joseph Henry, widely regarded as "the foremost American scientist of the 19th century",^[64]built the firstelectric motor. Three years later, he discoveredelectromagnetic self-induction(theSI unitfor which is now thehenry). He went on to be the firstSecretary of the Smithsonian Institution.^[65]In the1830and1840censuses, Albany was ranked as the ninth-largest urban place in the nation;^[66][67]it dropped back to tenth in1850.^[68]This was the last time the city was one of the top ten largest urban places in the nation.^[69]

Albany also has significant history withrail transport,^[70]as the location of two major regional railroad headquarters. TheDelaware and Hudson Railwaywas headquartered in Albany at what is now theSUNY System Administration Building.^[71]In 1853,Erastus Corning, a noted industrialist and Albany's mayor from 1834 to 1837, consolidated ten railroads stretching from Albany to Buffalo into theNew York Central Railroad(NYCRR), headquartered in Albany untilCornelius Vanderbiltmoved it to New York City in 1867.^[72][73]One of the ten companies that formed the NYCRR was theMohawk and Hudson Railroad, which was the first railroad in the state and the first successful steam railroad running regularly scheduled service in the country.^[74][75]

While the key to Albany's economic prosperity in the 19th century was transportation, industry and business also played a role. Largely thanks to the city's Dutch and German roots, beer was one of its biggest commodities.Beverwyck Brewery, originally known as Quinn and Nolan (Nolanbeing mayor of Albany 1878–1883),^[77]was the last remaining brewer from that time when it closed in 1972. The city's location at the east end of the Erie Canal gave it unparalleled access to both raw products and a captive customer base in the west.^[78]Albany was known for its publishing houses, and to some extent, still is. Albany was second only toBostonin the number of books produced for most of the 19th century.^[79]Iron foundries in both the north and south ends of the city attracted thousands of immigrants to the city for industrial jobs. Intricatewrought-irondetails constructed in those years remain visible on what are now historic buildings. The iron industry waned by the 1890s due to increased costs associated with a newlyunionizedworkforce and the opening of mines in theMesabi RangeinMinnesota.^[80]

Albany's other major exports during the 18th and 19th centuries were furs, wheat, meat, and lumber.^[81]By 1865, there were almost 4,000 saw mills in the Albany area^[81]and theAlbany Lumber Districtwas the largest lumber market in the nation.^[76]The city was also home to a number of banks. The Bank of Albany (1792–1861) was the second chartered bank in New York.^[82]The city was the original home of the Albank (founded in 1820 as the Albany Savings Bank),^[83]KeyBank(founded in 1825 as the Commercial Bank of Albany),^[84]and Norstar Bank (founded as the State Bank of Albany in 1803).^[85]American Expresswas founded in Albany in 1850 as anexpress mailbusiness.^[86]In 1871, the northwestern portion of Albany—west from Magazine Street—was annexed to the neighboring town of Guilderland^[87]after the town ofWatervlietrefused annexation of the territory.^[88][89]In return for this loss, portions of Bethlehem and Watervliet were added to Albany. Part of the land annexed to Guilderland was ceded back to Albany in 1910, setting up the current western border.^[58]

The train carrying the body of slain President Abraham Lincoln came through Albany on the way to Illinois and some claim the ghostly image of that train remains.^[90]

Albany opened one of the first commercial airports in the world, and the first municipal airport in the United States, in 1908. Originally on a polo field on Loudon Road, it moved toWesterlo Islandin 1909 and remained there until 1928. The Albany Municipal Airport—jointly owned by the city and county—was moved to its current location inColoniein 1928. By 1916 Albany's northern and southern borders reached their modern courses;^[58]Westerlo Island, to the south, became the second-to-last annexation, which occurred in 1926.^[91]

Erastus Corning 2nd, arguably Albany's most notable mayor (and great-grandson of the former mayor of the same name), was elected in 1941.^[92]Although he was one of the longest-serving mayors of any city in United States history (1942 until his death in 1983), one historian describes Corning's tenure as "long on years, short on accomplishments,"^[93]citing Corning's preference for maintaining the status quo as a factor that held back potential progress during his tenure.^[94]While Corning brought stability to the office of mayor, it is said even those who admire him greatly cannot come up with a sizable list of "major concrete Corning achievements."^[95]Corning is given credit for saving—albeit somewhat unintentionally—much of Albany's historic architecture.^[m]

During the 1950s and 1960s, a time when federal aid for urban renewal was plentiful,^[94]Albany did not have growth in its economy or infrastructure. It lost more than 20 percent of its population during the Corning years, as people moved to newer housing in the suburbs, followed by most of the downtown businessesmoving there as well.^[96]While cities across the country grappled with similar issues, the problems were magnified in Albany: interference from the Democratic political machine hindered progress considerably.^[94]In 1960, the mayor sold the city's stake in the airport to the county, citing budget issues. It was known from then on as Albany County Airport until a massive upgrade and modernization project between 1996 and 1998, when it was rebrandedAlbany International Airport.^[n]

GovernorNelson Rockefeller(1959–1973) (R) tried to stimulate the city with new monumental architecture and large, government-sponsored building projects; he drove construction of theEmpire State Plaza,SUNY Albany's uptown campus, and much of theW. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus.^[99]Albany CountyRepublicanChairman Joseph C. Frangella once quipped, "Governor Rockefeller was the best mayor Albany ever had."^[100]Corning, although opposed to the project, was responsible for negotiating the payment plan for theEmpire State Plaza. Rockefeller did not want to be limited by the Legislature'spower of the purse, so Corning devised a plan to have the county pay for the construction and have the state sign a lease-ownership agreement. The state paid off the bonds until 2004. It was Rockefeller's only viable option, and he agreed. Due to the clout Corning gained from the situation, he gained inclusion of the State Museum, a convention center, and a restaurant, back in the plans—ideas which Rockefeller had originally vetoed. The county gained $35 million in fees and the city received $13 million for lost tax revenue. Having the state offices in the city enabled it to keep good jobs and retain middle-class residents.^[101]

Another major project of the 1960s and 1970s was the construction ofInterstate 787and theSouth Mall Arterial.^[o]Construction began in the early 1960s. A proposed Mid-Crosstown Arterial never came to fruition.^[102]One of the project's main results was separating the city from the Hudson River. Historian Paul Grondahl has described Corning as shortsighted with respect to use of the waterfront, saying the mayor could have used his influence to change the location of I-787, which now cuts the city off from "its wholeraison d'être"^[103]In 1967, the hamlet of Karlsfeld was the last annexation by the city, sourced from the Town of Bethlehem.^[58]

When Corning died in 1983,Thomas Whalenassumed the mayorship and was reelected twice. He encouraged redevelopment of historic structures and helped attract federal dollars earmarked for that purpose. What Corning had saved from destruction, Whalen refurbished for continued and new uses.^[104]The Mayor's Office of Special Events was created in an effort to increase the number of festivals and artistic events in the city, including a year-longDongan Chartertricentennial celebration in 1986.^[105]Whalen is credited for an "unparalleled cycle of commercial investment and development" in Albany due to his "aggressive business development programs".^[106]

Prior to therecession of the 1990s, downtown Albany was home to fourFortune 500companies.^[107]After the death of Corning and the retirement of CongressmanSam Stratton, the political environment changed. Long-term office holders became rare in the 1980s. Local media began following the drama surrounding county politics (specifically that of the newly created county executive position); the loss of Corning (and eventually the machine) led to a lack of interest in city politics.^[108]The election ofGerald Jenningswas a surprise, and he served as mayor from 1994 until his retirement at the end of 2013. His tenure essentially ended the political machine that had been in place since the 1920s.^[109]

During the 1990s, the State Legislature approved the $234 million "Albany Plan", "a building and renovation project [that] was the most ambitious building project to affect the area since the Rockefeller era." Under the Albany Plan, renovation and new building projects were initiated around the downtown area. Many state workers were relocated from the Harriman State Office Campus to downtown, helping its retail businesses and vitality.^[14]The first decade of the 21st century saw a real possibility for a long-discussed and controversial Albany Convention Center; it opened in 2017 with the goal of making Albany a viable location for large events hosted by statewide organizations.^[110]

Albany remains an important location for business presence, given its role as de facto seat ofTech Valleyand being home to the state capitol.Fortune 500companies with offices in Albany includeAmerican Express,J.P. Morgan and Chase,^[111]Merrill Lynch,^[112][113]General Electric,Verizon,Goldman Sachs,^[114]International Paper,^[115]andKey Bank.^[116]

Albany won theAll-America City Awardin both 1991 and 2009.^[117]

Albany is about 150 miles (240 km) north ofNew York Cityon theHudson River.^[26]It has a total area of 21.8 square miles (56 km²), of which 21.4 square miles (55 km²) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) (1.8%) is water.^[118]The city is bordered on the north by the town ofColonie(along with thevillageofMenands), on the west by the town ofGuilderland, and on the south by the town ofBethlehem.^[119]The former Foxes Creek,^[120]Beaver Kill,^[121]and Rutten Kill^[122]were diverted underground in the 19th century. There are four lakes within city limits:Buckingham Lake;Rensselaer Lakeat the mouth of the Patroon Creek;Tivoli Lake, which was formed as a reservoir and once connected to the Patroon Creek; andWashington Park Lake, which was formed by damming the Beaver Kill.^[119][121]

The highest natural point in Albany is a USGSbenchmarknear the Loudonville Reservoir off Birch Hill Road, at 378 feet (115 m)above sea level. The lowest point is at the Hudson River—which is still technically anestuaryat Albany and is affected by the Atlantictide^[124]—at an average of 2 feet (0.61 m) above sea level at low tide and 4 feet (1.2 m) at high tide.^[125]The interior of Albany consists of rolling hills which were once part of theAlbany Pine Bush, an area ofpitch pineandscrub oak, and has arid, sandy soil that is a remnant of the ancientLake Albany. Due to development, the Pine Bush has shrunk from an original 25,000 to 6,000 acres (10,100 to 2,400 ha) today. A preserve was set up by the State Legislature in 1988 and is on the city's western edge, spilling into Guilderland and Colonie;^[126]it is the only sizable inlandpine barrenssand duneecosystem in the United States,^[123]and is home to many endangered species, including theKarner Blue butterfly.^[127]

Albany is in thehumid continental climatezone (Köppen climate classification: Dfa),^[128]and features cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers; the city experiences four distinct seasons. Albany is in planthardiness zone6a near downtown and along the shore of the Hudson and 5b at its western end.^[129]Albany receives 40.7 inches (1,030 mm) of precipitation per year,^[130]with 138 days of at least 0.01 in (0.25 mm) ofprecipitationeach year. Snowfall is significant, totaling 59.4 inches (151 cm) per season,^[130]but with less accumulation than thelake effectareas to the north and west, as it is farther fromLake Ontario. However, Albany is close enough to theAtlantic coastto receive heavy snow fromNor'eastersand the city occasionally receivesAlberta clippers.^[131]Winters can be very cold with fluctuating conditions; temperatures drop to 0 °F (−18 °C) or below on nine nights per annum.^[132]Summers in Albany can contain stretches of excessive heat and humidity, with temperatures of 90 °F (32 °C) or hotter on nine days per year.^[132]Record temperature extremes range from −28 °F (−33 °C), on January 19, 1971, to 104 °F (40 °C) on July 4, 1911.^[132]

The neighborhoods of Albany^[135][136]includeArbor Hill;^[137]Center Square, "[an] eclectic mix of residential and commercial [buildings], including bars, night clubs, restaurants, and stores";^[138]Pine Hills;^[139]and the South End.^[140]

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1790	3,498		—
1800	5,349		52.9%
1810	10,762		101.2%
1820	12,630		17.4%
1830	24,209		91.7%
1840	33,721		39.3%
1850	50,763		50.5%
1860	62,367		22.9%
1870	69,422		11.3%
1880	90,758		30.7%
1890	94,923		4.6%
1900	94,151		−0.8%
1910	100,253		6.5%
1920	113,344		13.1%
1930	127,412		12.4%
1940	130,577		2.5%
1950	134,995		3.4%
1960	129,726		−3.9%
1970	115,781		−10.7%
1980	101,727		−12.1%
1990	101,082		−0.6%
2000	95,658		−5.4%
2010	97,856		2.3%
2020	99,224		1.4%
2023 (est.)	101,228		2.0%
Sources: 1790–1950,[141] 1960–1980,[142]1990–2000[143] 2010–2020[144]

Historically, Albany's population has been mixed. First dominated by Mohican and Mohawk, then Dutch and Germans, it was overtaken by the British in the early 19th century. Irish immigrants soon outnumbered most other ethnicities by the mid-19th century, and were followed by Italians andPoles. In the mid-to-late 20th century, the African-American population increased with thousands of people from the rural South, as part of theGreat Migration. As historian (and Albany Assemblyman) John McEneny puts it,

Dutch and Yankee, German and Irish, Polish and Italian, black and Chinese—over the centuries Albany's heritage has reflected a succession of immigrant nationalities. Its streets have echoed with a dozen languages, its neighborhoods adapting to the distinctive life-style and changing economic fortunes of each new group.^[145]

Until after the Revolution, Albany's population consisted mostly of ethnic Dutch descendants. Settlers migrating from New England tipped the balance toward British ethnicity in the early 19th century.^[146]Jobs on the turnpikes, canals, and railroads attracted floods ofIrish immigrantsin the early 19th century, especially in the 1840s during theGreat Famine, solidifying the city's Irish base.Michael Nolanbecame Albany's firstIrish Catholicmayor in 1878,^[147]two years before Boston.^[148]PolishandItalianimmigrants began arriving in Albany in the wave of immigration in the latter part of the 19th century. Their numbers were smaller than in many other eastern cities mainly because most had found manufacturing jobs atGeneral Electricin Schenectady.^[149]The Jewish community had been established early, withSephardic Jewishmembers as part of the Beverwijck community. Its population rose during the late 19th century, when manyAshkenazi Jewsimmigrated from eastern Europe.^[149]In that period, there was also an influx ofChineseand east Asian immigrants, who settled in the downtown section of the city. Many of their descendants have since moved to suburban areas.^[150]Asian immigration all but halted after theImmigration Act of 1924.^[9]

Albany saw its last large immigration pattern as part of theGreat Migrationwhen many African Americans moved there from theAmerican Southbefore and afterWorld War Ito fill industrial positions and find other opportunities. In the early years, African-Americans lived together with Italians, Jews, and other immigrants in the South End, where housing was older and less expensive.^[151]The black community has grown as a proportion of the population since then; African Americans made up three percent of the city's population in 1950, six percent in 1960, 12 percent in 1970, and 30 percent in 2010. The change in proportion is related mostly to middle-class white families moving to the suburbs and black families remaining within city limits during the same time period.^[9][143]

Since 2007, the number ofBurmeserefugees to Albany has increased. The Burmese refugee community consists mostly of people ofKarenethnicity. An estimated 5,000 Burmese refugees reside in Albany as of January 2015^[update].^[152][153]

Like most cities of comparable age and size, Albany has well-establishedOrthodox Christian, RomanCatholic,Protestant, andJewishcommunities. Albany is home to the oldest Christian congregation in Upstate New York and theMother Churchesof two Christiandioceses. As of June 2010^[update], eight churches or religious buildings in the city were listed on theNational Register of Historic Places,^[155]one of which—St. Peter's Episcopal Churchon State Street—is aNational Historic Landmark.^[156]Established in 1642,^[157]the congregation of theFirst Church in Albany (Reformed), also known as the North Dutch Church (on North Pearl Street), is the second-oldestReformed Church in America.^[154]TheCathedral of the Immaculate Conception(Eagle Street and Madison Avenue, built 1852) is thecathedralof theRoman Catholic Diocese of Albany, led byBishopEdward Scharfenberger,^[158][159]and theCathedral of All Saints(South Swan Street and Elk Street, built 1888) is the cathedral of theEpiscopal Diocese of Albany.^[160][161]As of 2023, the city was home to twelve Catholic churches^[162]and four Episcopal churches.^[163]Despite its history ofChristendom, in 2019 the Albany-Schenectady-Troy MSA was found to be among the mostpost-Christiancities in the United States in a study by Christian polling firmThe Barna Group.^[164]

A significant Jewish presence has existed in Albany as early as 1658.^[165]As of 2010, Albany is home to twoConservativesynagogues, aChabad-Lubavitchsynagogue, anOrthodoxsynagogue, and twoReformsynagogues.^[166]Albany is also home to one of the fewKaraitesynagogues outside Israel.^{[167][verification needed]}As of 2008, the total membership in Albany's synagogues was estimated at 12,000-13,000, with half the members residing outside the city.^[165]Since the early 2000s, there has been an increase in Orthodox Jews moving to Albany from the New York Metro area, largely due to cheaper housing prices and closer walking proximity to synagogues.^[168]

The Islamic community in Albany and its surrounding suburbs is represented by at least four major mosques in the region. The Muslim population increased substantially starting in the late 2000s, with the arrival of many refugees from countries such asIraq,Syria, andAfghanistan.^[169]

Exact numbers on religious denominations in Albany are not readily available. Demographic statistics in the United States depend heavily on theUnited States Census Bureau, which cannot ask about religious affiliation as part of itsdecennial census.^[170]It does compile some national and statewide religious statistics,^[171]but these are not representative of a city the size of Albany. One report from 2000 offers religious affiliations for Albany County. According to the data, 59.2% of Albany County residents identified asChristian: 47% areRoman Catholic, 8.4% aremainline Protestants, 2.7% areEvangelical Protestants, and 1.1% areEasternorOrientalOrthodox Christians. Residents who practice Judaism make up 4.2% of the population and Muslims represent 0.2%.^[172]

Albany city, New York – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000[173]	Pop 2010[174]	Pop 2020[175]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
Whitealone (NH)	58,459	52,857	44,392	61.11%	54.02%	44.74%
Black or African Americanalone (NH)	26,042	28,479	29,222	27.22%	29.10%	29.45%
Native AmericanorAlaska Nativealone (NH)	233	191	241	0.24%	0.20%	0.24%
Asianalone (NH)	3,089	4,850	7,949	3.23%	4.96%	8.01%
Pacific Islanderalone (NH)	27	47	66	0.03%	0.05%	0.07%
Some Other Racealone (NH)	217	296	871	0.23%	0.30%	0.88%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial(NH)	2,242	2,740	4,942	2.34%	2.80%	4.98%
Hispanic or Latino(any race)	5,349	8,396	11,541	5.59%	8.58%	11.63%
Total	95,658	97,856	99,224	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (September 2021)

As of April 1, 2020, Albany's population was 99,224.^[176]

With a 2013 Census-estimated population of 1.1 million,^[177]the eight county Capital District, encompassing Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Saratoga, is the third-most populous metropolitan region in the state.

As of the2010 census,^[143]Albany's population density was 4,572.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,765.5/km²). There were 46,362 housing units at an average density of 2,166.4 per square mile (836.5/km²); 5,205 of these units (11.2%) were vacant. Theracial makeupof the city residents was 52.3%white; 27%blackorAfrican American; 0.06%Native AmericanorNative Alaskan; 7.4%Asian; 0.1%Native HawaiianorPacific Islander; .06% from other races; and 3.6% from two or more races. A total of 9.2% of the population wereHispanic or Latinoof any race.^[r]Non-Hispanic Whiteswere 52.0% of the population in 2010,^[118]compared to 87.0% in 1970.^[178]

As of 2010, 20.0% of Albany's population was under the age of 18, 19.3% was aged 18 to 24, 29.2% was aged 25 to 44, 18.1% was aged 45 to 64, and 13.4% was aged 65 years or older. The median age was 31.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males. Some 81.3% of the population had completed high school or earned an equivalency diploma.^[143]

As of the2000 census, the top fiveancestry groupsin the city were African American (27%), Irish (18.1%), Italian (12.4%), German (10.4%), and English (5.2%); (33.1%) of the population reported "other ancestries". Albany is home to aTriqui language-speaking community ofMexican-Americans.^[179][180]

There were 40,709 households in Albany in 2000, of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.3% weremarried couplesliving together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.8% were non-families. 41.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.95.^[143]

The median income for a household in the city in 2000 was $91,525, and the median income for a family was $94,989 (male, year-round worker) and $86,168 (female, year-round worker). Theper capita incomefor the city was $70,016.^[181][s]About 16.0% of families and 21.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 28.8% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.^[143]Therateof reported violent crimes for 2008 (1,095 incidents per 100,000 residents) were more than double the rate for similarly sized US cities. Reported property crimes (4,669 incidents per 100,000 residents) were somewhat lower.^[182][183]

Demographically speaking, the population of Albany and the Capital District mirrors the characteristics of the United States consumer population as a whole better than any other major municipality in the country. According to a 2004 study conducted by theAcxiom Corporation, Albany and its environs are the top-ranked standard test market for new business and retail products. Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse all scored within the top five.^[184]

According to the 2020American Community Survey, the Latino population was: 4.57%Puerto Rican, 1.45%Dominican, .84%Ecuadorian, .77%Mexican, .69%Salvadoran, .22%Cuban.^[185]

Albany's violent crime rate was 837/100,000 residents in 2018,^[186]compared to 1,043 in Buffalo,^[187]778 in Rochester, 703 in Syracuse,^[188]and 541 in New York City.^[189]New York State had statewide violent crime rate of 358/100,000 people in 2019.^[190]Total violent crime rate in the US in 2019 was 367.^[191]

Albany's economy, along with that of the Capital District in general, is heavily dependent on government,health care,education, and more recently, technology. Because of these typically steady economic bases, the local economy has been relatively immune to nationaleconomic recessionsin the past.^[193]In 2009, more than 25 percent of the city's population worked in government-related positions.^[194]Albany's estimated daytime population is more than 162,000. Companies based in Albany includeTrans World Entertainment,AMRI GlobalandClough Harbour. In 2019, Albany had the fourth-highest amount of lawyers in its employment pool (7.5 lawyers per 1,000 jobs) compared to the rest of the nation, behind Washington, D.C., Trenton, New Jersey, and New York City, respectively.^[195]

Since the 2000s, the economy of Albany and the surrounding Capital District has been directed towardhigh technology, a growing fourth sector of the area's economic base.Tech Valleyis a marketing name for the eastern part of New York State, encompassing Albany, the Capital District, and theHudson Valley.^[196]Originated in 1998 to promote the greater Albany area as a high-tech competitor to regions such asSilicon ValleyandBoston, it has since grown to represent the counties in the Capital District and extending to 19 counties fromIBM'sWestchester Countyplants in the south to theCanada–US borderin the north.

The area'shigh technology ecosystemis supported by technologically focused academic institutions includingRensselaer Polytechnic Instituteand theState University of New York Polytechnic Institute.^[197]Tech Valley encompasses 19 counties straddling both sides of theAdirondack Northwayand theNew York Thruway,^[196]and with heavystate taxpayer subsidy, has experienced significant growth in thecomputer hardwareside of the high-technology industry,^[193]with great strides in thenanotechnologysector,digital electronicsdesign, and water- and electricity-dependentintegrated microchip circuitmanufacturing.^[198]A notable video game development cluster has grown in and around Albany starting in the 2010s.^[199]

Albany's geographic situation—roughly equidistant from New York City to the south andMontrealto the north—makes it a convenient stop for nationally touring artists and acts. ThePalace TheatreandThe Eggare mid-sized forums for music, theater, and spoken-word performances; the Capital Repertory Theatre is smaller.^[201]The MVP Arena is the city's largest musical venue for nationally and internationally prominent bands. It also hosts trade shows, sporting events, and other large gatherings.^[202]Some people praise the cultural contributions of Albany and the greater Capital District;^[105]others suggest that the city has a "cultural identity crisis" due to its widespread geography, which requires a car to reach most of what the area has to offer, a necessity not seen in larger and more densely populated metropolitan areas such as New York and Boston.^[203]

In recent years, the city's government has invested resources to cultivate venues and neighborhoods that attract after-hours business.Madison Avenue,Pearl Street,Delaware AvenueandLark Streetare the most active entertainment areas in the city. Many restaurants, clubs, and bars have opened since the mid-1990s, revitalizing areas that had once been abandoned and reclaiming old row houses, businesses, and apump station.^[201]Bars are concentrated in three areas: about two blocks on Park Street, downtown; along Lark Street, home to smaller bars, which fit the neighborhood's artistic and eclectic style; and Western and Madison Avenues, in midtown, centered on the College of Saint Rose and SUNY Albany's downtown campus and drawing younger people.^[204]Much of the bar restaurant scene features classic Irish Pubs.^[205]

Alive at 5is a free, weekly concert series held downtown during the summer on Thursdays;^[206]with 10 concerts in 2010, total attendance was roughly 100,000.^[207]TheTulip Festivalis set in Washington Park and celebrates the city's Dutch heritage, which began withPinkster Festival, an African-Dutch Celebration.^[208]This traditional Albany event marks the beginning of spring as thousands of tulips bloom in the park in early May;^[209]attendance to the Tulip Festival in 2010 was approximately 80,000.^[207]Another large festival in Albany is the Capital Pride Parade and Festival, a majorgay prideevent held each June, attended by an estimated 30,000 spectators annually from across Upstate New York.^[210]

ThePrice ChopperFabulous Fourth and Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza celebratesIndependence Daywith musical performances and the region's largest fireworks display.^[200]Freihofer's Run for Womenis a5-kilometer runthrough the city that draws more than 4,000 participants from across the country; it is an annual event that began in 1978.^[211]The Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Artsis an annual Festival that hosts more than 3500 people over 3 days. The Festival showcases more than 70 Regional Chefs & Restaurants, 250 Global Wines & Spirits, a NYS Craft Beer Pavilion, 4 competitions (The Signature Chef Invitational, Rising Star Chef, Barista Albany and Battle of the Bartenders) and one Grand Gala Reception, Dinner & Auction featuring 10 f Albany's Iconic Chefs. The Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival donates all net proceeds to deserving Albany Arts Organizations and is held the Thursday-Saturday preceding Martin Luther King Weekend. Smaller events include the African American Family Day Arts Festival each August at the Empire State Plaza;^[200]the Latin Fest, held each August at the Corning Preserve;^[212]the Albany Jazz Festival, an annual end-of-summer event held at the Corning Preserve;^[213]and Lark Fest, a music and art festival held each fall.^[214]

Because of Albany's historical and political significance, the city has numerous museums, historical buildings, and historic districts. Albany is home to theNew York State Museum, theNew York State Libraryand theNew York State Archives; all three facilities are in theCultural Education Centerat the south end ofEmpire State Plazaand are free to the public.^[215]TheUSSSlater(DE-766), a decommissionedWorld War IIdestroyer escortthat was restored in 1998, is amuseum shipdocked in the Hudson River at Quay Street. It is the only ship of its kind still afloat.^[216]The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Broadway at Quackenbush Square, hosts a museum, gift shop, and the Henry Hudson Planetarium.^[217]In early 2012, theIrish American Heritage Museumopened in downtown Albany. The museum is home to exhibits highlighting the contributions of the Irish people in America.^[218]

TheAlbany Institute of History and Art, on Washington Avenue near the Center Square Neighborhood and State Capitol, is "dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, culture of Albany and the UpperHudson Valleyregion." The museum's most notable permanent exhibits include an extensive collection of paintings by theHudson River Schooland an exhibit onAncient Egyptfeaturing the institute's "Albany Mummies."^[219]

Albany is home to 57 listings on theNational Register of Historic Places^[155](NRHP) and fiveNational Historic Landmarks.^[156]TheTen Broeck Mansion, a 1797Federal-stylemansion (later renovated in theGreek-Revival style) built forAbraham Ten Broeck(mayor of Albany 1779–1783 and 1796–1798)^[221]is ahistoric house museumand the headquarters of the Albany County Historical Association;^[220]it was added to the NRHP in 1971.^[222]Later known as "Arbor Hill", it gave thecurrent neighborhoodits name.^[223]

Albany has been the subject, inspiration, or location for many written and cinematic works. Manynon-fiction workshave been written on the city. One of the city's more notable claims to fame isIronweed(1983), the 1984Pulitzer Prize-winningbook by Albany nativeWilliam Kennedy.Ironweedwas the third in a series of books by Kennedy known as the "Albany Cycle".^[224][225]The elusive authorTrevanianalso grew up in Albany and wroteThe Crazyladies of Pearl Street(2005), about a North Albany neighborhood along Pearl Street. The book is considered a semi-autobiographical memoir.^[226]

In 1987, the film version ofIronweedpremiered at thePalace Theatre.^[227]The movie starredJack NicholsonandMeryl Streep, each of whom were nominated forAcademy Awardsfor their performances;^[228]much of the filming was done on location in Albany.^[227]Most recently the downtown area was the site of filming for the action-thrillerSalt, starringAngelina Jolie,^[229]and the action-comedyThe Other Guys, starringWill FerrellandMark Wahlberg.^[230]

AuthorsHerman MelvilleandHenry Jameslived with their families in Albany when young, before their careers. James identified his character Isabel Archer, the heroine of his novelThe Portrait of a Lady, as being from Albany.^[231]Gregory Maguire, author ofWicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West(adapted for theBroadwayhitWicked), grew up in North Albany^[232]and graduated from SUNY Albany.^[233]

TheEmpire State Plaza, a collection of state agency office buildings, dominates almost any view of Albany. Built between 1965 and 1978 at the hand of GovernorNelson A. Rockefellerand architectWallace Harrison, the complex is a powerful example of late Americanmodern architecture^[234]and remains a controversial building project both for displacing city residents and for its architectural style. The most recognizable aspect of the complex is theErastus Corning Tower, thetallest building in New York outside of New York City.^[234]Juxtaposed at the north end of the Plaza is the 19th-centuryNew York State Capitol, the seat of theNew York State Legislatureand the home of theGovernor's office.^[235]

Albany's initial architecture incorporated many Dutch influences, followed soon after by those of the English.^[236]Quackenbush House, aDutch Colonialbrick mansion, was builtc. 1736;^[237]Schuyler Mansion, aGeorgian-style mansion, was built in 1765;^[238]and the oldest building in Albany is the 1728Van Ostrande-Radliff Houseat 48 Hudson Avenue.^[239]Albany's housing varies greatly, with mostly row houses in the older sections of town, closer to the river. Housing type quickly changes as one travels westward, beginning with two-family homes of the late 19th century, and one-family homes built after World War II in the western end of the city.^[240]

Albany City Hall, designed byHenry Hobson Richardson, was opened in 1883. The New York State Capitol was opened in 1899 (after 32 years of construction)^[235]at a cost of $25 million, making it the most expensive government building at the time.^[241]Albany'sUnion Station, a majorBeaux-Artsdesign,^[242]was under construction at the same time; it opened in 1900. In 1912, the Beaux-Arts styledNew York State Department of Education Buildingopened on Washington Avenue near the Capitol. It has a classical exterior, which features a block-long white marblecolonnade.^[243]The 1920s brought theArt Decomovement, which is illustrated by theHome Savings Bank Building(1927) on North Pearl Street^[244]and theAlfred E. Smith Building(1930) on South Swan Street,^[245]two ofAlbany's tallest high-rises.^[246]

Architecture from the 1960s and 1970s is well represented in the city, especially at theW. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus(1950s and 1960s) and on the uptown campus of theUniversity at Albany(1962–1971). The state office campus was planned in the 1950s by governorW. Averell Harrimanto offer more parking and easier access for state employees.^[247]The uptown SUNY campus was built in the 1960s under Governor Rockefeller on the site of the city-owned Albany Country Club. Straying from the popularopen campus layout, SUNY Albany has a centralized building layout with administrative and classroom buildings at center surrounded by four student housing towers. The design called for much use of concrete and glass, and the style has slender, round-topped columns and pillars reminiscent of those atLincoln Centerin New York City.^[248]

Downtown has seen a revival in recent decades, often considered to have begun withNorstar Bank's renovation of the former Union Station as its corporate headquarters in 1986.^[t]The Knickerbocker Arena (MVP Arena) was originally slated for suburban Colonie,^[250]but was instead built downtown and opened in 1990.^[251]Other development in downtown includes the construction of theState Dormitory Authorityheadquarters at 515 Broadway (1998);^[252]theState Department of Environmental Conservationbuilding, with its iconic green dome, at 625 Broadway (2001);^[253]theState Comptrollerheadquarters on State Street (2001);^[254]theHudson River Way(2002), apedestrian bridgeconnectingBroadwayto the Corning Preserve;^[255]and 677 Broadway (2005), "the first privately owned downtown office building in a generation".^[256][257]

Albany has nomajor league professional sports teams, andminor league teamstypically have low support.^[260]

TheAlbany Devilswere a minor leagueice hockeyteam that moved to the city for the2010–11 season. They played in theAmerican Hockey Leagueand were affiliated with theNew Jersey Devilsof theNational Hockey League.^[261][262]The Devils replaced theAlbany River Rats, who played in the Capital Region from 1990 to 2010, when they relocated toCharlotte, North Carolina. The Albany Devils moved toBinghamton, New York in 2017.^[263]

TheTimes Union Centerhas previously hostedarena footballteams including theAlbany Firebirdsin theArena Football League(AFL) from 1990 to 2000 and then a team originally known as theAlbany Conquestand later the Firebirds in theaf2, the AFL's developmental league, from 2002 to 2009. TheAlbany Empireplayed in the AFL from 2018 through the 2019 season when the league folded. A newAlbany Empirewas relaunched in theNational Arena Leaguefor the 2021 season. In 2023,Antonio Brownbought the team; after a series of problems with payments and personnel, the NAL suspended the franchise in the middle of the 2023 season.^[264]A relaunchedAlbany Firebirdsfranchise will begin play in 2024.^[265]

TheTri-City ValleyCatsshort seasonminor league baseballteam have played at theJoseph L. Bruno Stadiumon theHudson Valley Community Collegecampus inNorth Greenbushsince 2002. Prior to the ValleyCats' arrival, theAlbany-Colonie Diamond Dogs(1995–2002) played atHeritage ParkinColonie; due to financial pressures, and facing impending competition from the ValleyCats, the franchise folded in 2002.^[266]

TheAlbany Legends(International Basketball League), played in theWashington Avenue Armoryfrom 2010 to 2014 before moving toSchenectady.^[267]TheAlbany Patroonshave played at the Armory on and off since 1982 and currently play inThe Basketball League.^[268]

With the large number of local colleges and universities around Albany, college sports are popular. TheUniversity at Albany'sGreat Danesplay at theDivision I levelin all sports. The football team is a member of theCoastal Athletic Associationwhile all other sports teams play as members of theAmerica East Conference.^[269]In 2006, UAlbany became the firstSUNY-affiliated school to send a team to theNCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.^[270]TheSiena Saintssaw a rise in popularity after theirmen's basketball teammade it to the NCAA Tournament in2008,2009, and2010.^[271]All 18 Saints teams are Division I and play in theMetro Atlantic Athletic Conference.^[272]Although Siena's campus is in nearby Colonie, the men's basketball team plays at the Times Union Center.^[258]

UAlbany hosted theNew York Giantstraining camp from 1996 to 2012.^[273][274]

On February 23, 2021, it was announced that theNational Lacrosse League(NLL) would return to the city with the relocation of theNew England Black Wolves.^[275]The team was named theAlbany FireWolveson April 15, 2021.^[276]This is the second NLL team to be based in the area; the first, theAlbany Attack, played in the city from 2000 to 2003.^[277]

The 518 Ballers (American Basketball Association) have played at Our Savior's Christian School since 2023.^[278]

Albany has more than 60 public parks and recreation areas.^[280]Washington Parkwas organized as the Middle Public Square in 1806. Its current location has been public property since theDongan Charterof 1686 gave the city title to all property not privately owned. Washington Park was designed byJohn Bogartand John Cuyler in 1870,^[281]and opened for public use the following year. The original lake house, designed by Frederick W. Brown, was added in 1876. The park had previously been used as a cemetery; its graves were moved toAlbany Rural Cemetery. Washington Park is a popular place to exercise and play sports; skate during the winter; people-watch duringTulip Fest; and attend plays at the amphitheater during the summer.^{[281][282][283][284]}

Other parks in Albany includeLincoln Park, Buckingham Park, the Corning Preserve, and the Pine Bush. Lincoln Park, southwest of the Empire State Plaza, was organized in 1886 and was originally known as Beaver Park.^[285]Today, the park has a pool that is open during the summer months.Buckingham Lake Parkis between Manning Boulevard andRoute 85in the Buckingham Pond neighborhood; it contains a pond with fountains, a footpath, a playground, and picnic tables.^[286]The Albany Riverfront Park at the Corning Preserve has an 800-seatamphitheatrethat hosts events in non-winter months, most notably theAlive at 5summer concert series. The Preserve's visitors center details the ecology of the Hudson River and the local environment.^[287]The park has a bike trail and boat launch^[287]and was effectively separated from downtown byInterstate 787until the opening of theHudson River Wayin 2002.^[255]

Other public parks include Westland Hill Park, Hoffman Park, Beverwyck Park,^[288]and Liberty Park, today a small circular grassy patch in downtown on Hudson Avenue, which is Albany's oldest park.^[289]Ridgefield Park is home to the clay courts of the Albany Tennis Club, one of the oldest tennis clubs in the United States.^[290]The municipalgolf course,New Course at Albany, was constructed in 1929 as the Albany Municipal Golf Course, later renamed the Capital Hills at Albany, and remodeled in 1991.^[291]

Albany has astrong mayor-council form of government, which functions under theDongan Charter, granted by colonial governorThomas Donganin 1686 when Albany was incorporated as a city. A revised charter was adopted by referendum in 1998, but was legally reckoned as an amendment to the Dongan Charter. This gives Albany the distinction of having the oldest active city charter in the United States and "arguably the longest-running instrument of municipal government in theWestern Hemisphere."^[13][292]Themayor, who is elected every four years, heads theexecutive branchof city government.^[293]The current mayor,Kathy Sheehan, was first elected in 2013. She replaced former mayorGerald Jenningswho was mayor for 20 years from 1994 to 2013.^[294]The Common Council represents thelegislative branchof city government and is made up of fifteen council members (each elected from oneward) and anat-largeCommon Council President.^[292]The current president is Corey Ellis;^[295]he began his term in January 2018.^[296]

While Albany has its own city government, it has also been the seat ofAlbany Countysince the county's formation in 1683 and the capital of New York since 1797. As such, the city is home to all branches of the county and state governments, as well as its own.Albany City Hallsits on Eagle Street, opposite the State Capitol,^[297]and the Albany County Office Building is on State Street.^[298]The state government has offices scattered throughout the city.

Albany is in the20th Congressional district, represented byPaul Tonko(D) in theUnited States House of Representatives. The city is represented byChuck Schumer(D)^[299]andKirsten Gillibrand(D)^[300]in theUnited States Senate. On the state level, the city is in the 44th district in theNew York Senate, represented byNeil Breslin(D). In theNew York Assembly, western Albany is in the 109th district, represented byPatricia Fahy(D) while downtown and eastern Albany are in the 108th district, represented byJohn T. McDonald III(D). As the seat ofAlbany County, the city is the location of the county's courts including Family Court, County Court, Surrogate Court,Supreme Court, andNew York Court of Appeals.^[301]Albany is the site of a federal courthouse that houses theUnited States District Court for the Northern District of New York.^[302]

Albany's politics have been dominated by theDemocratic Partysince the 1920s;Daniel (Uncle Dan) O'Connellestablished apolitical machinein the city with the election ofWilliam Stormont Hackettas mayor in 1922.^[303]Prior to that,William Barnes Jr.had set up aRepublicanmachine in the 1890s. Barnes' success is attributed to the fact that he owned two newspapers in Albany and that he was the grandson ofThurlow Weed, the influential newspaper publisher and political boss.^[304]O'Connell's organization overcame Barnes' in 1922 and survived well into the 1980s (even after his death), as the machine put forth candidates for whom the electorate dutifully voted. In many instances, votes were outright bought;^[305]it was not uncommon for the machine to "buy poor folks' loyalty and trust with afiver".^[306]

Gerald Jennings' upset in the 1993 Democratic mayoralprimaryover Harold Joyce, who had the Democratic Party's formal endorsement and had only recently been its county chairman, is often cited as the end of the O'Connell era in Albany.^[307]In the early 21st century, Albany continued to be dominated by the Democratic Party. Democratic Party enrollment in the city was 38,862 in 2009, while Republican enrollment was 3,487.^[308]As of 2022, every elected city position had been held by a Democrat since 1931.^[309]

In November 2013, Kathy Sheehan became the first woman to be elected Mayor of Albany.^[310]

On 26 March 2024 the Albany City Council passed a resolution supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.^[311][312]

TheCity School District of Albany(CSDA) operates the city'spublic schoolsystem, which consists of 17 schools and learning centers;^[313]in addition, there are 7charter schools,^[314]including Green Tech Charter High School,^[315]and Albany Leadership High School.^[316][u]In the 2015–2016 school year, over 9,000 students were enrolled in the public school system.^[313]The district had an average class size of 18,^[320]an 81-percent graduation rate,^[v]and a 5-percent dropout rate.^[321]The district's 2010–11 budget is $202.8 million.^[322]Although considered by the state to be one of the lowest-achieving high schools in New York,Albany Highwas listed as the nation's 976th best high school in a 2010Newsweek/Washington Postreport.^[323]Albany also has a number of private schools, including thecoedBishop Maginn High SchoolandAlbany Free School; theall-boysAlbany Academy;^[w]and the all-girlsAcademy of the Holy NamesandAlbany Academy for Girls.^[325]

TheAlbany Medical College(private), today part ofAlbany Medical Center, was founded in 1839.^[327]Albany Law School(private) is the oldestlaw schoolin New York and the fourth-oldest in the country; it was opened in 1851. PresidentWilliam McKinleywas an alumnus.^[328]TheAlbany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences(private) is the second-oldestpharmacy schoolin New York and the fifteenth-oldest in the United States.^[329]

TheNew York State Normal School, one of the oldest teachers colleges in the United States, opened in 1844; it was later known as the State Teachers College. It eventually evolved into theUniversity at Albany, also known as SUNY Albany (public), which inherited the Normal School's original downtown campus on Western Avenue. The center of the campus moved to its currentUptown Campusin the west end of the city in 1970. SUNY Albany is a unit of theState University of New Yorkand one of only four university centers in the system.^[326]Other colleges and universities in Albany includeEmpire State College,The College of Saint Rose,Excelsior College,Maria College,Mildred Elley, andSage College of Albany. NearbyHudson Valley Community College(HVCC) fills thecommunity collegeniche in the Albany-Troy area.^[330]The effect of the campuses on the city's population is substantial: Combining the student bodies of all the aforementioned campuses (except HVCC) results in 63,149 students, or almost 70 percent of the 2008 estimate of Albany's permanent population.^[331]

TheTimes Unionis Albany's primary daily newspaper and the only one based close to the city; its headquarters moved from within city limits to suburbanColoniein the 1960s after a dispute with Mayor Corning over land needed for expansion.^[332]Its circulation totals about 73,000 on weekdays and 143,000 on Sundays.^[333]Serving Albany to a lesser degree areThe Daily Gazette, based in Schenectady,^[334]andThe Record, of Troy.^[335]Metrolandis the alternative newsweekly in the area, publishing each Thursday,^[336]whileThe Business Reviewis a business weekly published each Friday.^[337]TheLegislative Gazette, another weekly newspaper, focuses exclusively on issues related to the Legislature and the state government.^[338]

As of 2010, the Albany-Schenectady-Troymedia marketis the 63rd-largest in the country in terms ofradio^[339]and the 57th-largest in terms oftelevisionaudiences.^[340]It is a broadcast market with historical significance. The pioneering influence ofGeneral Electricin Schenectady directly contributed to the area emerging as the birthplace of station-based television withWRGB; the station was also the first affiliate ofNBC.^[341]In 1947, the region was home to the first independently owned and operated commercialFM radiostation in the United States:W47A.^[341]WGYwas the second commercial radio station in New York and the twelfth in the nation.^[341]The Capital District is home toABCaffiliateWTEN10,^[342]CBSaffiliateWRGB6 (also operatingCWaffiliateWCWN45),^[343]FoxaffiliateWXXA23,^[344]NBCaffiliateWNYT13 (also operatingMyNetworkTVaffiliateWNYA51),^[345]andPBSmember stationWMHT17.Charter CommunicationshostsSpectrum News Capital Region, the area's only local 24-hour news channel.^[346]The area has numerousradio stations.

TheNew York State Thruwayis the most prominent highway serving Albany. From Albany westward, it is part ofInterstate 90, connecting Albany with major cities such asSyracuse,RochesterandBuffalo. To the south, it becomes part ofInterstate 87and leads toNew York City. A short un-tolled section of Interstate 90 extends around the northern and eastern portions of Albany before linking back up with the Berkshire extension of the Thruway, which leads to theMassachusetts Turnpikeand ultimately toBoston. North of Albany, Interstate 87 follows theNorthwayto Canada atChamplain;Autoroute 15continues intoQuebec, linking Albany toMontreal.Interstate 787links downtown Albany to the southbound I-87/Thruway to the south, while to the north, it links with the free portion of Interstate 90 before continuing to Troy, Watervliet, Colonie, and Menands. By way ofRoute 7, I-787 connects to the Northway.^{[347][better source needed]}

Since the closure ofUnion Stationon Broadway, area passenger-rail service is provided byAmtrakat theAlbany-Rensselaer stationacross the river in Rensselaer. In 2009, the station saw more than 720,000 passengers, making it Amtrak's second-busiest in New York, behind Manhattan'sPenn Station.^[348]Amtrak provides service south to New York City; north to Montreal, and Burlington (Vermont); west to Niagara Falls, Toronto and Chicago; and east to Boston.

Albany's major airport isAlbany International Airportin Colonie.Major airlineservice to Albany includes service by:American Airlines,Delta Air Lines,Southwest Airlines,JetBlue Airlines, andUnited Airlines;Million Airis the localfixed-base operator.^[349]In 2010, Albany had the highest average airfare in New York, though the per-mile cost on its busiest routes was second-lowest in the state.^[350]

TheCapital District Transportation Authority(CDTA) provides bus service throughout Albany and the surrounding area, including Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.^[351]The city was once served by anurban streetcar servicemaintained by the United Traction Company. As in many American cities, after the advent of the automobile,light railservices declined in Albany and were replaced by bus and taxi services.^[352]Greyhound Lines,^[353]Trailways,^[354]Peter Pan,^[355]Short Line,Vermont Translines, and Yankee Trails^[356]buses all serve a downtown terminal. Brown Coach provides commuter service.^[357]Low-cost curbside bus service from the SUNY Albany campus and the Rensselaer station is also provided byMegabus, with direct service to New York City.

Albany, long an important Hudson River port, today serves domestic and international ships and barges through thePort of Albany-Rensselaer, on both sides of the river. The port has the largest mobile harbor crane in the state of New York.^[359]TheNew York State Barge Canal, the ultimate successor of the Erie Canal, is in use today, largely by tourist and private boats.^[360]

The city ofNijmegen, Netherlands connected with Albany followingWorld War II. With the help of the Catholic university in Albany, the Catholic University of Nijmegen (Radboud University Nijmegen) rebuilt its partly destroyed library, with over 50,000 books being donated to the Dutch university. To show its gratitude for post-war assistance, the city sent Albany 50,000tulip bulbsin 1948; this act led to the establishment of the annual Tulip Festival.^[105]Most of the other connections were made in the 1980s during Mayor Whalen's term in office as part of his cultural expansion program.^[105]

Albany'ssister citiesare:^[361][362]

• Bucha, Ukraine
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Nijmegen, Netherlands
• Tula, Russia
• Verona, Italy

• List of people associated with Albany County, New York

• Albany'sGolden Cue Billiard Lounge
• List of capitals in the United States
• List of cities in New York
• List of incorporated places in New York's Capital District
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Albany, New York
• Neighborhoods of Albany, New York
• USSAlbany, several ships

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• The Albany Lumber Trade: Its History and Extent. Albany: The Argus Company. 1872.OCLC8260640.(Full text viaGoogle Books.)
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• Button, Daniel Evan (2003).Take City Hall!. Albany: Whitston Publishing Company.ISBN978-0-87875-542-4.
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• Munsell, Joel(1869).The Annals of Albany(2nd ed.). Albany: Joel Munsell.OCLC11500714.
• Munsell, Joel (1865).Collections on the History of Albany: From its Discovery to the Present Time (Volume 1). Albany: Joel Munsell.OCLC2750413.(Full text viaGoogle Books.)
• Rittner, Don (2000).Images of America: Albany. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing.ISBN0-7385-0088-7.
• Roberts, Warren (2010).A Place in History: Albany in the Age of Revolution, 1775–1825. Albany: SUNY Press.ISBN978-1-4384-3329-5.
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• Weise, Arthur James (1884).The History of the City of Albany, New York, from the Discovery of the Great River in 1524 by Verrazzano to the Present Time. Albany: E.H. Bender.OCLC337558.

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• Albany, New YorkatCurlie