About Reimagine Albany
Reimagine Albany is a community-led coalition dedicated to ensuring that Albany's future is shaped by the people who live, work, and invest here. Through partnerships among neighborhood organizations, environmental advocates, community leaders, technical experts, and residents, we work to advance equitable, sustainable, and community-driven redevelopment.
Our work was inspired by the opportunity created through the New York State Department of Transportation's Reimagining I-787 Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study—a once-in-a-generation effort to reconnect neighborhoods divided by Interstate 787, restore access to the Hudson River, improve mobility, and create new opportunities for housing, business, recreation, and environmental restoration.
Reimagine Albany helps residents understand and participate in the planning and development process. Through educational workshops, community meetings, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships with planners, engineers, architects, and environmental professionals, we translate complex planning and development concepts into practical information that empowers meaningful public participation.
Beyond transportation, our coalition works to advance environmental justice, economic development, community health, workforce opportunities, resilient infrastructure, and equitable investment. We believe redevelopment should strengthen existing neighborhoods, support local businesses, improve environmental conditions, and create lasting community wealth while ensuring that historically underserved communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their future.
By connecting community knowledge with professional expertise, Reimagine Albany serves as a bridge between residents, organizations, and public agencies. Together, we are building a shared vision for a city that is healthier, more connected, environmentally resilient, and economically vibrant.
Our mission is simple: to empower communities, foster collaboration, and ensure that Albany's next generation of investment creates lasting benefits for everyone.
Vision
Reimagine Albany envisions a Capital City where every neighborhood has the knowledge, opportunity, and power to shape its future. We strive for an Albany where historically underserved communities—including Arbor Hill, North Albany, Sheridan Hollow, the South End, and West Hill—are fully engaged in the decisions that affect their health, environment, economy, and quality of life. Through inclusive participation, equitable investment, and community-led planning, we seek to reconnect neighborhoods, expand opportunity, protect environmental health, and build a city where prosperity is shared by all.
Mission
Reimagine Albany empowers communities through education, engagement, and collaboration to influence the planning, development, and public investment decisions that shape Albany's future. We connect residents with trusted information, technical expertise, and meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making while advancing environmental justice, equitable economic development, community health, and resilient neighborhoods. Working alongside community organizations, public agencies, businesses, and academic partners, we advocate for transparent processes, lasting community benefits, and development that reflects the needs, aspirations, and leadership of Albany's residents.
