Delivered January 8, 2025:
Citizens of Albany,
On January 1st, 2025, we celebrated entering the final year of the first quarter century of the 21st century! Our mission statement is clear and concise, "Providing quality public services for a better Albany community." The City Council is committed to ensuring we accomplish our mission. We are guided by the themes highlighted in our strategic plan to ensure we accomplish the goals created to support each theme. We have a lot of important work to do in the coming months to build on the work of past councils.
As we look back at 2023-2024, our community has grown, and our economy continues to improve as businesses realize the value of being centrally located in the Willamette Valley.
It’s clear that we must pursue various types of housing options to increase the housing inventory available for all current and future residents of Albany. The implications of failing to address our housing issues will have long-term negative effects on the growth and livability of Albany.
We must create opportunities for our “unhoused” residents to have access to the resources, services, and shelter required to begin the healing necessary to improve their quality of life. We must engage and partner with business and community leaders and non-governmental organizations to ensure our diverse community is an accepting, inclusive, and healthy place for everyone in Albany. Our Housing Implementation Plan is an essential tool for us to shape our future climate friendly communities and livable neighborhoods.
We continue to improve our economy, by seeking out economic development opportunities best suited for Albany. It is imperative that Albany have a healthy business community comprised of businesses from multiple industries, sectors, and sizes to drive the creation of real living wage employment opportunities for our citizens.
The 2026-2027 budget process is underway. From now until the end of June, our city manager must prepare and deliver to the City Council a balanced budget for the coming biennium. The city has limited resources, and it is important that we exercise good stewardship of those resources to successfully operate and deliver the services necessary to have a healthy and safe city.
I believe change is inevitable. Change can be beneficial…when it brings an infusion of new ideas and fresh perspectives from previously unheard voices. However, change can be difficult. You can help shape the change in our city. I encourage you to contact your city councilor and find out how you can participate in your local government. Your voice will help your council representative make the best possible decision on behalf of all the constituents he or she represents.
Each member of the City Council is committed to ensuring Albany continues to be a safe and welcoming community for current and future residents of Albany.
I am extremely humbled to be re-elected to serve as Mayor of Albany. I am honored to serve as Mayor, and I wholeheartedly commit to being an approachable, interactive, responsive, and transparent public servant for the betterment of Albany.
With respect,
Alexander D. Johnson II
Mayor of Albany, Oregon
