How to Bring a 500-Year-Old City into the Future with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Albany, NY, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who is approaching the end of a 12 year tenure in which she has guided her city out of bankruptcy, spearheaded pivotal redevelopment projects, and cut childhood poverty rates. She reflects on the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving world to modernize city services and the importance of work that is not initially visible to most residents. Sheehan also shares her approach to integrating new technologies into City Hall to efficiently respond to the needs of community members, the bright economic future of Albany, and how she faced off against her own brother-in-law on a key workforce housing project. Tune in to hear Mayor Sheehan's advice for fellow elected officials and public servants on how to bring a citizen-first approach to policymaking.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:03] Introduction and welcome to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

• [02:03] Advice for other cities that want to see transformation in a changing world.

• [04:34] Getting funding in place to transform the technical and adaptive aspects of Albany’s infrastructure.

• [08:20] Tracking concerns and creating accountability through technology.

• [09:35] Upgrading and preserving a city that originated in the 1600s.

• [14:12] Economic opportunities in Albany and Mayor Sheehan’s predictions for the city’s future.

• [18:08] The impact of market-rate housing on the affordable market.

• [22:20] How Mayor Kathy’s background has impacted her experience of working in leadership.

• [25:50] Her journey to running for office and advice to those who might want to follow suit.

• [31:10] Sticking with her plan to prioritize redevelopment despite opposition.