Why this plan matters
Our decisions today will drive our tomorrow.
Albany is growing and evolving into a regional hub in the Willamette Valley. With that growth comes opportunity, but also responsibility. We are taking on many of the expectations of a larger city while working to preserve what residents value most: strong neighborhoods, a sense of connection, and the character that makes Albany feel like home.
At the same time, we are facing real challenges. The cost of providing services continues to rise. Infrastructure built decades ago needs ongoing investment. Community needs are becoming more complex. Like many cities, we are working to do more with limited resources while preparing for significant staff transitions.
This Strategic Plan is how we move forward—thoughtfully and transparently. It helps us focus on what matters most, make informed investment decisions, and be clear about where we are making progress and where work remains. Most importantly, it reflects a commitment to managing growth intentionally—preserving Albany’s character while preparing for the future. Our decisions today will drive our tomorrow.
Community Engagement
Who did we hear from?
“Albany is Oregon’s hub city – a safe, welcoming community where neighborhoods thrive, people connect, and thoughtful infrastructure and growth create opportunity for generations.”
1,684 people online…
“Question of the Week”
Full community survey responses
161 residents in-person…
RCC Holiday Lunch
Chamber Youth Leadership
South Albany and West Albany High School Leadership Classes
and over 100 City staff.
Staff surveys
Staff lunch-and-learn event
Employee Focus Groups
Mission
We deliver quality public services, partner across the organization and community, and intentionally plan for the future to ensure Albany remains a safe, vibrant place to live.
Vision
Albany is Oregon’s hub city — a safe, welcoming community where neighborhoods thrive, people connect, and thoughtful infrastructure and growth create opportunity for generations.
Values
Service
We are accessible, responsive, and committed to serving our community.
Collaboration
We work together – with each other and our community – to achieve better outcomes.
Stewardship
We are trusted stewards of public resources and responsible decision-makers.
Innovation
We embrace learning and seek continuous improvement.
Excellence
We deliver high-quality work through professionalism, preparation, and leadership.
The Planning Process
The City’s Strategic Plan was developed through a four-phase process designed to align Council priorities, incorporate community and staff input, and create a practical plan for implementation.
Planning & Scoping
Aug-Sep 2025
The project began with internal alignment, review of prior plans and data, and setup of the overall work plan. This phase established the structure for integrating the Strategic Plan into ongoing City work.
Council Workshop
Sep-Oct 2025
Council provided early direction through workshops and one-on-one discussions focused on priorities and long-term goals for Albany’s future.
Engagement
Dec 2025-Feb 2026
The City engaged 1,933 community members and staff through a range of outreach efforts. This input directly informed updates to the City’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
Plan Development
Feb-May 2026
City staff and leadership used engagement results to refine priorities and develop the Strategic Plan, including goals, actions, timelines, and measures of success.
Navigating the Plan
This Strategic Plan is designed to be easy to use and connect long-term vision with day-to-day action. It is organized into three key layers:
Vision Areas
Vision Areas outline the City’s long-term priorities over the next 10–20 years. They are rooted in our mission and guide progress toward Albany’s vision of being a safe, connected, and beautiful hub city.
Goals
Goals describe the key outcomes the City aims to achieve over the next 3–5 years. Each goal supports a Vision Area and helps move Albany closer to its long-term vision.
Tactical Objectives
Tactical objectives are specific, measurable actions focused on the next 1–2 years. Each includes a responsible lead and target timeline, ensuring clear ownership and accountability for implementation.
Measures of Success
Measures of success are key metrics that help us understand if our objectives are actually moving forward the vision area and goals. These help us determine if we need to pivot or take advantage of new opportunities.
Explore the
2026-2030 Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan is organized into five Vision Areas that guide the City’s long-term direction. Click below to explore each Vision Area in more detail, including priorities, progress, and related work.
You can also view the full Strategic Plan here.
Overall Progress
20.5% of objectives In Progress
The City tracks implementation progress across all Vision Areas. The progress battery shown here provides a high-level snapshot of how the Strategic Plan is advancing overall. City staff updates the plan dashboard on a quarterly basis.
From Vision to Reality
Strategic Plan Website and Dashboard Go Live (Summer 2026)
Department Work Plans Built (Spring–Summer 2026)
Strategic Budgeting Process Kick-Off (Fall 2026)
Strategic Plan Touch-Base (Winter 2027)
2027–2029 Biennial Budget Adopted (Spring 2027)
Biennial Community Survey (Fall–Winter 2027)
Strategic Plan Mid-Point Progress Check-in (Winter 2028)
Department Work Plan Adjustments (Winter–Spring 2028)
Strategic Budgeting Process Kick-Off (Fall 2028)
Strategic Plan Touch-Base (Winter 2029)
2029–2031 Biennial Budget Adopted (Spring 2029)
Biennial Community Survey (Fall–Winter 2029)
2030–2034 Strategic Plan Kick-Off (Fall 2029)
Strategic Plan Public Engagement (Winter 2029–Winter 2030)
2030–2034 Strategic Plan Adoption (Spring 2030)
Strategic Management
Strategic Management is how the City turns this Strategic Plan into action. It ensures that the goals, priorities, and vision outlined in the plan are embedded into day-to-day operations, department work plans, and long-term decision-making.
Rather than existing as a standalone document, the Strategic Plan is directly connected to how the City plans, budgets, and delivers services.
How It Works
Workplans:
Each department aligns its biennial work plan with the Strategic Plan, ensuring projects and priorities directly support the City’s Vision Areas and Goals.
Other Plans:
Existing and future City plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Master Plan, are coordinated with the Strategic Plan to maintain consistency and avoid working in silos.
Strategic Budgeting:
Funding decisions are intentionally linked to Strategic Plan priorities in the City’s biennial budget, ensuring resources are directed toward the outcomes that matter most to the community.
Why It Matters
This approach helps ensure the Strategic Plan is not just a guiding document, but a practical tool that shapes real decisions. It supports accountability, transparency, and focus so City resources are used intentionally and effectively to achieve the community’s long-term vision.
