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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Albany Mayor Focuses on Housing, Infrastructure after Mayors' Conference

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023   

The mayor of New York's state capital said she is eager to get to work on projects she observed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' big meeting last week in the nation's capital.

Kathy Sheehan, mayor of Albany, wants to implement numerous projects with federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. She hopes to use the money to aid traditionally redlined neighborhoods, declining due to disinvestment.

According to the city's website, 38% of this funding, or $9.4 million, is going toward housing, transportation and community revitalization. While talk does not always translate into action, Sheehan pointed out projects are already in the works, which could turn the tide for some neighborhoods.

"We're going to build 100 new homes in the City of Albany in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, because they're able to leverage some of our Rescue Plan funding to do that," Sheehan explained. "I'm hearing about infrastructure projects that are happening across the country to ensure that we're making our cities safer."

She noted the mayors' conference helped her give a face to federal officials she'll be working with on infrastructure projects. One includes replacing an aging rail bridge still in use by Amtrak. Another will prepare the Port of Albany for work developing offshore wind turbines.

Sheehan emphasized it is important for the projects to be completed on a timeline to meet demand.

Sheehan acknowledged getting some projects off the ground will include challenges. One is developing a coordinated effort with numerous agencies to streamline the permitting process. In speaking with other mayors, she stressed despite an "all-government approach" from President Joe Biden, there are still bottlenecks to getting things done.

"I heard a mayor who was told the review process was going to take 453 days. That's more than a year," Sheehan remarked. "We have multinational companies who want to come here and work in the renewable space, and help us to reach the goals that President Biden set."

Sheehan added she understands the importance of steps like doing environmental impact studies for a project, but noted there must also be an understanding of the effects of not moving fast enough.


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