Schenectady
Local news and civic information for Schenectady, New York
Latest News
Schenectady, NY: A Hub of Innovation and Community Spirit
Schenectady, New York is highlighted as a city with a rich history in industry and invention, blending small-town charm with modern urban conveniences. Known for its revitalized downtown area featuring locally-owned boutiques, eclectic eateries, and art galleries, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene centered around landmarks like Proctors Theatre. Schenectady also boasts numerous green spaces such as Central Park and trails along the Mohawk River, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The city's commitment to education and innovation is reflected in its strong public schools and ongoing development initiatives.
Judge Upholds New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State’s ban on formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is constitutional. The ruling supports the state's argument that such bans are necessary to protect public welfare and manage local resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks, citing concerns over agent safety. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the recently passed $268.5 billion state budget, which includes provisions to limit cooperation between local jails and ICE.
Governor Hochul Announces $38M for County Infrastructure Grants in NY
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the awarding of more than $38 million to 49 projects across New York State through the second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program. This program, administered by Empire State Development, supports small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects aimed at economic development, placemaking, and tourism. In Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady will receive $1 million to restore a vacant office building at 308 State Street, creating 27 new housing units. The program, established in the FY2025 Enacted Budget, has now awarded over $74 million to nearly 100 projects statewide, contributing to Governor Hochul's bold housing agenda and supporting modern infrastructure for economic growth.
NYC Department of Finance Provides Services and Updates
The New York City Department of Finance is responsible for collecting revenues that fund city services. Due to a technical issue with the call center phone systems, residents are advised to visit any business centers in the five boroughs or use online tools for assistance. The department offers various services including paying tickets and property taxes, disputing tickets, parking ticket services, exemptions quick help, property tax bills and payments, ACRIS (property records), business tax services, and more. Additionally, Edwin Raymond was recently sworn in as New York City Sheriff.
Albany Faces $22M Deficit in 2026 and $33M in 2027
Mayor Dorcey Applyrs of Albany has announced a projected budget deficit of $22 million for 2026, which is expected to grow to $33 million by 2027. The city's first-ever midyear budget reveals rising employee health insurance costs, higher-than-expected overtime expenses, increased debt payments, and under-realized revenue as contributing factors. Ginnie Farrell, president pro tempore of the Common Council, expressed concern about staffing levels and future budgets due to these financial challenges. She noted that nationwide economic conditions and accounting issues with grants have also contributed to the deficit.
Affordability Concerns Top New York Voters' Minds Ahead of November Elections
New Yorkers are increasingly concerned about rising prices for everyday essentials, which is expected to be a major factor influencing voter turnout in the upcoming November elections. The article highlights that residents are looking to elected officials to address affordability issues as they head to the polls. Additionally, it mentions that Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City has implemented a non-primary residence tax to help close the city’s budget deficit and fulfill his campaign promise of taxing the wealthy.
Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs Exploring Measures to Combat $22 Million Deficit
Mayor Dorcey Applyrs of Albany is exploring various cost-saving and revenue-raising measures to address a projected $22 million deficit for the city. The deficit could grow to $55 million over the next two years if not addressed. Mayor Applyrs has implemented spending controls, including a hiring freeze, which initially brought down the projected deficit from $22 million to $7 million. However, recent spikes in healthcare costs, pension expenses, and revenue shortfalls have pushed the deficit back up to $22 million. The city is considering non-taxable land options and potential tax increases or staff cuts as part of these measures.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State’s ban on formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is valid. The ruling supports the state's argument that such bans are necessary to protect public welfare and manage state resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the state budget, including prohibitions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE.
Governor Hochul Announces $38 Million for County Infrastructure Grants in New York
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of over $38 million to support 49 infrastructure projects across New York State through the second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program. Administered by Empire State Development, this program provides grants up to $500,000 for county-led initiatives that promote economic development and tourism. Notably, Schenectady County received a grant of $1 million specifically for restoring a vacant office building at 308 State Street, which will create 27 new housing units. Since its launch in November 2024, the program has awarded over $74 million to nearly 100 projects statewide, aiming to enhance economic vitality and support Governor Hochul's housing agenda.
NYC Department of Finance Provides Services and Updates
The New York City Department of Finance is responsible for collecting revenues that fund city services. Due to a technical issue, the department's call center phone systems are currently down. As an alternative, residents can visit any of the business centers in the five boroughs or submit inquiries online. Services available include paying tickets and parking ticket disputes, property tax bills and payments, exemptions quick help, ACRIS (property records), business tax services, and more. Most transactions can be conducted online through various portals such as CityPay for property taxes, Property Information Portal, Business Tax e-Services, OATH ECB violations, and Digital Tax Map.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State can ban formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, while blocking a provision that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. Governor Kathy Hochul signed several measures into law to limit ICE cooperation with local authorities, including prohibiting jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE. Additionally, the state budget includes provisions aimed at reducing utility costs for residents, such as new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes and rebates for eligible households.
City Manager Presents Balanced Fiscal Year 2027 Budget to San Antonio Mayor and City Council
On August 13, 2026, City Manager Erik Walsh presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Proposed Budget to the Mayor and City Council of San Antonio. The budget is balanced as required by law and includes a plan for FY 2028. Despite financial challenges such as rising costs and lower property values, the proposed budget aims to protect essential services while making necessary spending cuts. It projects a General Fund shortfall of nearly $158 million through FY 2028 but proposes a property tax increase from 54.159 cents to 56.288 cents per $100 of taxable value, with an estimated monthly increase of $2.95 for the average homeowner. The budget also includes significant property-tax relief measures and allocates $30.8 million specifically for homeless services.
ANHD Testifies on Housing Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027
Emily Goldstein of ANHD testified before the Committees regarding housing-related proposals in New York City's Preliminary Budget for FY27. The testimony highlights the organization’s advocacy and technical assistance role, emphasizing their commitment to affordable housing and equitable economic development. ANHD appreciates the Mayor's budget increases for the Emergency Repair Program but calls for further investment to address the city's ongoing housing affordability crisis.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements; State Budget Addresses Utility Costs
A federal judge has denied the federal government’s motion for an injunction on New York’s new immigration law that bans formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, while blocking part of the law that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. Governor Kathy Hochul signed several measures aimed at limiting cooperation with ICE into law as part of the state budget, including prohibitions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE. Additionally, New York’s recently passed state budget includes new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes, requires companies to submit a lower-cost Plan B if they seek rate increases higher than 3%, and allows for the installation of an independent affordability monitor at utilities where such requests are approved by the Public Service Commission.
Former Schenectady Councilman Mancini Reflects on Resignation After One Year
Joseph Mancini, a former Schenectady city council member who served from January 2024 to his resignation after 19 months, reflects on his decision. Mancini, a Linton High graduate with extensive experience in county public service, decided to run for the council seat in 2023 after discussions with other officials convinced him of the opportunity to make a difference in Schenectady. Now retired from politics, Mancini expresses no regret over his decision and enjoys retirement, noting he does not miss the partisan disputes that have characterized recent council meetings.
New York City's FY2027 Budget Addresses Rental Assistance and Other Needs
The New York City Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Adopted Budget totals $125.84 billion, a $1.14 billion increase from the May Executive Budget. The budget includes funding for CHAP, a new rental assistance program settling litigation to expand CityFHEPS, and additional support for cultural institutions and CUNY. Despite strong tax revenues and a new surcharge on non-primary residences, the budget relies on temporary measures to close projected gaps in FY 2026 and FY 2027. The Mamdani administration acknowledges that recurring spending continues to outpace recurring revenues, leaving unresolved structural challenges for future years.
City Manager Presents Balanced FY27 Budget to Mayor and City Council
Today, the City Manager of San Antonio presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget to the Mayor and City Council. Despite facing significant financial challenges such as rising costs and lower property values, the budget is balanced and includes a plan for Fiscal Year 2028. The proposal aims to protect essential services like public safety and affordable housing while implementing $89.6 million in spending cuts over two fiscal years. To manage these conditions, the City plans to increase the property tax rate from 54.159 cents to 56.288 cents per $100 of taxable value, which would result in an estimated monthly increase of $2.95 for the average homeowner. Additionally, the budget allocates $156.4 million for property-tax relief through homestead exemptions and tax freezes for seniors and disabled homeowners.
Omar Sterling McGill Joins Schenectady Mayoral Race
County Legislator Omar Sterling McGill has announced his candidacy for the mayor of Schenectady. He emphasizes the importance of strengthening neighborhoods and improving housing affordability. In an interview with CBS6, McGill highlighted that residents want their quality of life to improve and expressed a desire for more affordable housing options and diverse home ownership opportunities. He also mentioned the need for better infrastructure such as walkable sidewalks and drivable streets without potholes. Additionally, he aims to foster a strong relationship between the city council and the mayor's office.
Schenectady Names New Public Safety Commissioner
Thomas P. Constantine, a Schenectady County Legislator and former Niskayuna Police Department veteran with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new Public Safety Commissioner for Schenectady. Constantine celebrated his 64th birthday on the day he joined the city's forces and will continue to serve as Union College’s Director of Public Safety until June. Born in Buffalo but raised in Schenectady’s Union Street neighborhood, Constantine represents Niskayuna, Glenville, and Scotia in the county legislature. He expressed a possibility of moving to Schenectady for his new role but noted that no concrete plans have been made yet.
Schenectady Names New Public Safety Commissioner
Thomas P. Constantine, a Schenectady County Legislator and former Niskayuna Police Department veteran with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new Public Safety Commissioner for Schenectady City. Born in Buffalo but raised in Schenectady's Union Street neighborhood, Constantine will retain his position at Union College until June before taking up his new role. He is considering moving to Schenectady but hasn't decided whether he would run for a seat on the city’s legislative body if he does so. The city charter requires employees to reside in Schenectady or move there within six months, and Mayor Gary McCarthy mentioned that the Board of Residency might convene to explore an exemption for Constantine, though it has not met in years due to vacancies.
Upcoming Meetings
Schenectady City Council Meeting
📅 2026-04-09 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady
Schenectady County Legislature Session
📅 2026-04-21 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 Schenectady County Office Building, 620 State Street