The City of Albany, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority of Albany (DDA) and the Albany Dougherty Inner-City Authority (ADICA), engaged TSW to lead a multidisciplinary consultant team in the creation of a comprehensive plan for the city’s downtown area. The purpose of this plan was to establish a clear and compelling vision for Downtown Albany, along with actionable steps to guide high-quality development and redevelopment efforts. A key component of the plan included Town & Gown Planning strategies, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the City and local educational institutions, including Albany State University.

Building on a foundation of previous planning initiatives, the TSW-led process was designed to be inclusive and transparent. The plan was carefully vetted through a series of stakeholder group meetings, public engagement events, and one-on-one discussions with civic leaders, business owners, and residents. This broad input ensured that the plan not only reflected the aspirations of the community but also built upon the energy and momentum already underway in Downtown Albany.

TSW worked closely with the City, DDA, ADICA, and other consultants who were simultaneously preparing related plans and studies impacting the downtown area. This collaborative approach ensured alignment and cohesion across all initiatives, minimizing redundancy and maximizing the effectiveness of future investments.

The final plan offers a set of realistic, resource-sensitive recommendations that can be implemented over time. These strategies were developed with a clear understanding of the financial and organizational capacities of the City and its partners. By combining visionary goals with practical implementation steps, the plan provides a solid roadmap for the continued revitalization of Downtown Albany, while reinforcing key partnerships and fostering sustainable economic and community development.

To guide the planning process and recommendations, TSW developed 12 Big Ideas based on input from stakeholders and the community.