Sidewalk Program

Enter Phase 8

Sidewalks are the foundation of an effective pedestrian network Though residents of Albany have long been responsible for maintaining in good condition the curb and sidewalk bordering private property, the City Council’s Sidewalk Repair Policy, passed in June 2016, and Measure P1, passed in November of 2016, have enabled the City to be proactive in improving overall sidewalk conditions Since then, the City have been able to take care of sidewalks that posed the worst problems and make the community safer

The City so far has completed six phases of the program consisting of over 300 locations and more than 30,000 square feet of sidewalk repair and replacement This Fall and Winter, the program will be wrapping up Phase 7 and entering Phase 8 The City has been proud to serve its community and make this critical transportation network more accessible for all through this program Please visit www.albanyca.org/sidewalkprogram for more information on this program, including details on each phase

2023-2031 City of Albany Housing Element on its Way to the State

In the Spring of 2023, the Albany City Council unanimously adopted the 2023-2031 City of Albany Housing Element which is now in the process of being brought to the State for review This plan is mandated by the state and identifies how the City will accommodate its existing and future housing needs The Housing Element includes an evaluation of local housing issues and needs, an analysis of potential housing sites and resources, a discussion of constraints to building housing, and a list of policies and actions that address housing issues Recent changes to State law require that the Housing Element also show how each city will work to overcome housing discrimination and create housing opportunities for persons of all income levels in the community

An important part of the Housing Element is a demonstration that each community has the capacity to meet its “fair share” of the region’s housing needs The “fair share” is determined by the State and the Association of Bay Area Governments and includes an assignment of units to each city and county by income category Albany’s assignment for 2023-2031 is 1,114 units, including 486 units that should be affordable to lower income households (annual income less than $109,600 for a family of four) While the City itself does not build housing, it must have zoning and other regulations in place that facilitate construction In Albany, this will require rezoning of certain properties to allow more housing than is permitted today

To find out more about the 2023-2031 Housing Element and the process bring it to where it is today, visit www.albanyca.org/housingelement

Are you a renter in Albany?

The City of Albany would like you to take our 5-minute Tenant Survey The results of this survey for renters will help the City make important decisions about future housing policies, regulations, and programs as well as understand how to best support renters in the city

This survey will be open until September 10, 2023 Responses will remain completely anonymous

Parklets Updated for 3-year Permits in Albany

Outdoor dining has remained popular in the Bay Area and many find parklets in Albany, originally built to support restaurants through the pandemic, have enhanced the overall vitality of Solano Avenue Because of this, Albany’s parklets have been in the process of transitioning from temporary structures to longer term parklets upgraded with improved designs and safety elements After approval by City Council on September 19, 2022 to allow businesses to pursue 3-year permits for their parklets and the introduction of new Parklet Program Regulations, the process is nearing completion The decision to make this transition was made by Council after extensive community feedback and reviews from three City Council advisory bodies

City Developing Street Tree Management Plan

The development of the City’s very first Street Tree Management Plan (STMP) is currently underway!

What is a Street Tree Management Plan?

The STMP will be a comprehensive policy roadmap that guides the enhancement, protection, and management of the street tree canopy and considers Albany’s unique environmental, social, and economic factors The STMP is crucial for caring for a healthy, vibrant urban forest, promoting the equitable distribution of street trees, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the community benefits of street trees are maximized and sustained for generations to come!

This past Spring, the City completed an inventory of all existing street trees in Albany Visit the City’s Urban Forestry webpage at www.albanyca.org/urbanforestry to learn more about the 171 distinct species of trees in the community, best practices in street tree care, and more Stay tuned for opportunities this Fall to learn about various community engagement opportunities and participate in the development of the STMP!

Continue reading to learn about some of the many benefits street trees bring to the community!

5 Benefits of Street Trees in the Community

1 Improved air quality: Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis They help filter pollutants from the air, such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, improving air quality and reducing the negative impacts of air pollution on human health!

2 Shade and temperature regulation: Street trees provide relief from the sun's heat, making streets and sidewalks more comfortable for pedestrians By lowering ambient temperatures, trees also help reduce the energy consumption associated with cooling

3 Stormwater management: Tree canopies intercept rainfall and help slow down the flow of water and allow it to soak into the ground, reducing the risk of flooding and minimizing the strain on stormwater management infrastructure

4 Aesthetics and community well-being: Street trees enhance the beauty and visual appeal of urban areas Trees also have a positive psychological impact on people, promoting a sense of well-being, relaxation, and connection with nature

5 Climate action: Street trees are vital for climate action as they sequester carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, while also mitigating the urban heat island effect and conserving energy by providing shade and cooling, making cities more resilient to climate change