Albany, Oregon Development News
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7/8/2026 City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 8, 2026
Albany City Council Continues Public Hearing on Development Code Amendments Due to State Law Compliance Issues
Albany City Council held a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Albany Development Code, packaged into two ordinances, to comply with new state laws. The first ordinance addresses laws already in effect or soon to be, while the second ordinance, set to go into effect January 1st, 2027, deals with compliance deadlines for other state laws. Due to an oversight in displaying track changes for the second ordinance, the council voted to continue the hearing to August 26, 2026, to allow for public testimony and council questions.
Albany City Council Debates and Fails to Pass Ordinance Amending Public Improvement Code Amidst State Mandates and Local Updates
The Albany City Council considered an ordinance to amend AMC chapter 15.06 regarding private construction of public improvements to incorporate Senate Bill 974 requirements and general code updates. The primary state-mandated change involves a 'clock' for permit review, extending the timeline to 120 days, which staff noted is longer than their current typical 30-60 day review. While most timeline-related changes are state-mandated, staff also proposed other code updates for cleanup and to align with current practices. Councilor Newton questioned the decision to rewrite the entire article rather than adopting the narrowest ordinance necessary and expressed concern about intertwining mandatory compliance with discretionary policy. The ordinance was put to a vote, with councilors Newton and McLeod voting 'no,' and Thompson, Van Dremelin, Smith, and McGee voting 'yes,' but the measure did not pass due to insufficient votes, requiring it to be brought back.
Albany Council Explores Signage for ALPRs Amidst Legal Hurdles to Private Use Ban
The Albany City Council discussed potential actions regarding Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) after the city terminated its contract with FLOC and banned their use on public property. The City Attorney advised against a citywide ban on private ALPR use due to significant legal challenges, including state preemption, equal protection, First Amendment, and Fifth Amendment takings clause issues, and potential personal liability for council members. He also highlighted the high cost of litigation and the lack of precedent for such a ban. Council members expressed concerns about privacy, data collection, and the number of businesses using these cameras. While a complete ban was deemed legally perilous, the council tentatively agreed to explore requiring signage for businesses using ALPRs and to consider advocating for state-level options to regulate ALPRs.
Albany Secures $1.64 Million ODOT Grant for Third Avenue Calapuya River Bridge Preliminary Engineering
The Albany City Council approved a resolution to accept a $1.64 million grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the preliminary engineering of the Third Avenue Calapuya River Bridge. This funding will be used to evaluate replacement and rehabilitation options for the bridge, which is a primary access to Bryant Park, is load-restricted due to deterioration, and shares an abutment with the San Antonio Albany Canal spillway. The city's required local match is $168,000 from the street capital and restoration fund. This engineering work will position the city to seek future funding for the construction of the preferred alternative.
Albany Council Hears Concerns Over ALPRs; City Attorney Warns of Legal Challenges to Private Use Ban
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents and a representative from a neighboring county's Democratic party spoke out against the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, particularly by private businesses. Speakers expressed concerns about privacy violations, potential misuse of data by law enforcement and federal agencies (like ICE), and the lack of transparency. They urged the council to consider a citywide ban on private ALPR use, even if a total ban is not feasible due to state preemption. The City Attorney, Sean Kidd, briefed the council on the legal challenges of such a ban, citing potential state preemption, equal protection, First Amendment, and Fifth Amendment takings clause issues, and advised against a ban due to the high likelihood of litigation and associated costs. The council discussed the feasibility of requiring signage for businesses using ALPRs.
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The Albany News archive
7/6/2026 City Council Work Session / Executive Session
6/24/2026 City Council Meeting
6/22/2026 City Council Work Session
Regular School Board Meeting - June 15, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
Answering the Call - Albany Fire Department
6/10/2026 City Council Meeting
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