Schenectady
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Alexandria City Council Approves FY2027 Budget
The Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted a $979.1 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 General Fund Operating Budget, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year's budget. The approved budget prioritizes quality education, employee attraction and retention, affordable housing, reducing community disparities, and bolstering economic growth while adhering to established fiscal policies. The full FY 2027 budget document will be available online by July 1st.
Schenectady Community Approves School Budget and Facility Proposals
The Schenectady community overwhelmingly supported the school budget vote and three facility propositions on May 20, 2026. The 2026-2027 school budget passed with 526 votes in favor and 92 against. Proposition #1 for operations and maintenance at Catalyn Street received 488 'yes' votes and 127 'no'. Proposition #2 for the Adult & Continuing Education Center on Nott Terrace was approved by 473 voters, with 136 voting against it. Lastly, Proposition #3 for the City As Our Campus / ECHS / P-TECH lease at State Street passed with 468 votes in favor and 147 opposed. Additionally, Bernice Rivera was re-elected to the Board of Education, while Daniel Flynn and Rennie Glasgow were elected for their first terms.
Schenectady County School Budget and Board Election Results Live Updates
The Times Union is providing live updates on school budget votes, ballot measures, and contested school board races in Schenectady County. Districts exceeding their tax cap require a supermajority vote for approval; other propositions need only a simple majority. The app offers detailed information on each district's voting status and provides links to specific districts including Duanesburg CSD, Mohonasen CSD, Niskayuna CSD, Schalmont CSD, Schenectady City SD, and Scotia-Glenville CSD. Results are unofficial until certified by the respective school boards.
Comptroller's Office Comments on New York City's Preliminary Budget for FY2027
The Comptroller's Office has released comments on the Mamdani administration’s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027, noting a significant increase in transparency and accuracy compared to previous budgets. The budget includes an overall net spending estimate increase of $4.14 billion in FY 2026 (3.5 percent) and $5.39 billion in FY 2027 (4.4 percent). Major increases are attributed to housing and economic development projects, with a new initiative for city-run grocery stores receiving $70 million. The budget also highlights the City's structural imbalance between operating expenditures and revenues, relying on optimistic revenue projections and property tax increases to close projected gaps.
Mamdani's Budget Proposal Aims to Eliminate $12B Deficit
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that aims to eliminate a $12 billion deficit inherited from former Mayor Eric Adams. The proposal requires a $4 billion contribution from New York state, implementation of a tax on certain secondary homes, and elimination of a tax credit primarily benefiting wealthy residents. Delays in planned expenditures are also proposed, which could lead to future deficits. As of the article's publication date, the budget has not been approved by the City Council.
NYC Council Passes Legislation to Combat Hajj and Umrah Scams
The New York City Council has passed legislation aimed at protecting residents from scams related to the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the voluntary Umrah visit to Mecca. The bill seeks to provide New Yorkers with necessary information and resources to avoid fraudulent activities associated with these religious journeys, which are significant for millions of Muslims worldwide. Additionally, the council also approved a measure requiring the installation of at least 5,000 bike parking stations over five years, enhancing infrastructure for cyclists in the city.
Governor Hochul Announces $19M for Homeownership in Schenectady and Other Cities
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second round of funding awards totaling over $19 million for her MOVE-IN NY program, aimed at creating affordable housing. This initiative will result in the construction of more than 50 prefabricated starter homes across five counties, including Schenectady. The Capital Region Land Bank received a significant portion of this funding with $6.655 million to build 22 homes in Schenectady. Mayor Gary McCarthy expressed gratitude for the support that will help meet the demand for new single-family homes quickly and affordably.
Governor Hochul Announces $19 Million for Homeownership in Five New York Counties
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the second round of awards totaling over $19 million for her MOVE-IN NY program. This funding will create more than 50 prefabricated starter homes, known as CrossMods, in Cayuga, Erie, Montgomery, Schenectady, and Suffolk counties. The Capital Region Land Bank received $6.655 million to build 22 homes in Schenectady. Governor Hochul emphasized the program's goal of making homeownership affordable for New Yorkers at all life stages by leveraging prefabricated housing technology.
NYC Council Supports SCOOP Act to Enhance Dog Waste Management
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and several council members rallied in support of the Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices (SCOOP) Act at Tompkins Square Park. The legislation aims to improve community cleanliness by expanding access to dog waste bags, increasing public education efforts, and establishing a composting pilot program for dog waste across all five boroughs. This initiative is part of broader city council efforts to address environmental issues and enhance quality of life in New York City.
NYC Public Advocate Commends FY27 Budget Proposal for Addressing Fiscal Gap
The NYC Public Advocate has issued a statement regarding the fiscal year 2027 executive budget proposal. The advocate acknowledges that while the final state budget is yet to be adopted, the Mayor, Governor, and legislative leaders have worked to address the budget gap left by previous administrations through revenue generation from wealthy individuals, cost-saving measures, and aid provisions. The Public Advocate commends this effort for maintaining strong city services but emphasizes the need for long-term fiscal responsibility and equity. They urge New Yorkers to engage in the budget-making process using their office's Build-a-Budget tool.
Mayor Mamdani Releases $124.7 Billion Budget for FY 2027
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has released the $124.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Executive Budget, aiming to restore fiscal stability without raising property taxes or cutting essential services. The budget addresses a historic $12 billion gap through aggressive savings, new tax revenue from higher-income residents, and increased funding for critical areas such as housing, safety, child care, parks, and libraries. Mayor Mamdani emphasizes that the budget secures support from Albany and invests in working-class New Yorkers without compromising long-term financial reserves.
Governor Hochul Announces $19M for Homeownership in Schenectady and Other Cities
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second round of awards totaling over $19 million for her MOVE-IN NY program, aimed at increasing homeownership opportunities. This funding will create more than 50 prefabricated starter homes across five counties, including Schenectady. The Capital Region Land Bank received a significant portion of this award with $6.655 million to build 22 homes in Schenectady. Mayor Gary McCarthy expressed gratitude for the initiative that addresses the urgent need for new single-family homes in the city.
Governor Hochul Announces $19M for MOVE-IN NY Program to Build Homes in Schenectady and Other Cities
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second round of awards for her innovative MOVE-IN NY program, allocating over $19 million to create more than 50 prefabricated starter homes across New York State. The funding will support projects in cities including Schenectady, where the Capital Region Land Bank was awarded $6.655 million to build 22 new homes. This initiative aims to address housing affordability by constructing factory-built 'CrossMod' homes that are quicker and cheaper to produce than traditional houses. These prefabricated units can be integrated into various types of communities and sold at prices below construction costs, making homeownership more accessible for low- and moderate-income families.
NYC Council Passes Legislation for FIFA World Cup and Introduces Consumer Protection Bills
The New York City Council has passed a package of legislation to prepare the city for the economic opportunities presented by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The measures aim to support small businesses and ensure that residents are ready for the influx of visitors. Additionally, Speaker Julie Menin and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu introduced two consumer protection bills targeting dynamic and surveillance pricing practices. These bills would prohibit grocery price increases within a 24-hour period and prevent businesses from using consumers' personal data to set individual prices. The Council also voted to establish a task force to study and recommend improvements for the city's mental health crisis system, specifically focusing on enhancing the 988 helpline service.
NYC Balances Budget Without Property Tax Hike
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani presented the $124.7 billion executive budget for fiscal year 2027 without raising property taxes. The city avoided a proposed 9.5% increase by closing a $5.4 billion gap through partnerships with state and local leaders, including reducing unincorporated business tax credits to raise approximately $68 million. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the importance of avoiding austerity measures that disproportionately affect working New Yorkers, particularly in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods.
Governor Hochul Announces $19M for 56 Affordable Homes in NY
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the second round of awards totaling over $19 million for her innovative MOVE-IN NY program. This funding will create 56 new prefabricated starter homes in Schenectady and other cities across New York, addressing the housing crisis by providing affordable options quickly and economically. The City of Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy thanked Governor Hochul for this initiative that aims to make homeownership more accessible for over 50 families.
Schenectady Considers Changes to Garbage Collection System
Schenectady city leaders are evaluating changes to the garbage collection system following last year's bulk item sticker program. The proposed tiered service model would require residents to purchase 45-gallon trash bins and limit waste disposal amounts. City council candidate Rachael Ward advocates against these changes, citing confusion among residents and concerns about illegal dumping. Current city councilman John Mootooveren states the city is reviewing the system after suspending fees on excess residential waste following a public hearing in December.
NYC Public Advocate Commends FY27 Budget Proposal for Addressing Economic Justice
The NYC Public Advocate has issued a statement regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) executive budget. The advocate acknowledges the efforts of the Mayor, Governor, and legislative leaders to address the budget gap left by previous administrations through revenue-raising measures from wealthy individuals, cost-saving initiatives, and aid provisions. The proposal aims to maintain strong city services while emphasizing long-term economic equity. The Public Advocate urges New Yorkers to engage with the budget process using their office’s Build-a-Budget tool.
Governor Hochul Announces $19M for MOVE-IN NY Program to Build Affordable Homes
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second round of awards totaling over $19 million for her innovative MOVE-IN NY program, aimed at creating affordable starter homes across New York State. The funding will support the construction of more than 50 prefabricated CrossMod homes in Schenectady and other locations including Amsterdam, Auburn, Lackawanna, and East Hampton. Mayor Gary McCarthy of Schenectady expressed gratitude for this initiative which aims to address housing affordability by leveraging factory-built homes that are quicker and cheaper to construct compared to traditional methods.
Mayor Mamdani Releases $124.7 Billion Budget for FY 2027
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has released the $124.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Executive Budget, aiming to restore fiscal stability without raising property taxes or cutting essential services. The budget addresses a historic $12 billion gap through aggressive savings measures and new tax revenue from high-income individuals. Mayor Mamdani emphasizes that working New Yorkers will not bear the burden of this financial challenge, as the city secures support from Albany and implements critical investments in housing, safety, child care, parks, libraries, and NYCHA.
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