Legislative Black Caucus, Albany County Legislature Host Community Roundtable Focused on Affordable Housing

With approximately 41,275 people, including around 9,200 children, living in poverty in Albany County, according to recent census data, the Albany County Legislature and its Legislative Black Caucus (LBC) engaged with the community on affordable housing solutions during the second LBC Community Roundtable of the summer on Wednesday.

The discussion was led by Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, who has been working on housing-related issues for decades. Arbor Hill Development Corporation Executive Director Arlene Way, Affordable Housing Partnership Executive Director Susan Cotner, and Albany Housing Coalition Executive Director Sondra Young shared insights as well.

The LBC's Community Roundtables are a series of public gatherings aimed at addressing current community concerns and providing insight into governmental decision-making.

Willingham highlighted the Legislature's Housing Agenda, which is a variety of housing-related initiatives, including: tax credits for property owners who build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the creation of a First-Time Home Buyer Navigator Program, a local law that will make affordable housing a governmental purpose in the County, and the creation of a Revolving Loan Fund.

The Navigator Program aims to remove many common barriers first-time homebuyers face. Full-time employees will provide hands-on guidance, expert assistance on funding opportunities, help with navigation of the step-by-step process of purchasing a home, and advice and insight into the rehabilitation process of dilapidated or blighted properties.

The local law paves the way for the Revolving Loan Fund, which will utilize the $1 million that the Legislature earmarked in the 2025 County Budget for housing issues as a starting point. The Fund will then provide financial support through different types of loans to non-profit and for-profit developers with a clear focus on developing and rehabilitating residential and mixed-income properties, along with affordable and workforce housing.

The goal is to address funding gaps in projects that aren't served through traditional lending.

Even though the Fund won't work with residents or homebuyers directly, its impact will be felt through new, improvement, and rehabilitation projects that will create affordable housing stock.

The roundtable was the second community gathering the Legislative Black Caucus hosted this summer. A meeting about public safety - which included Sheriff Craig Apple and Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon - was held in June.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: "Stable housing is vital to living a productive, healthy life. I am proud to be an author of the County Legislature's housing law which clearly states that housing is a public purpose of the County. This will be the beginning of policy and funding opportunities that will propel housing opportunities in needed communities throughout the County. Our local law will be a catalyst for the creation of new housing that will make a real difference for families searching for affordable, stable housing options."

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: "Housing affects everything. When people are secure in their homes, every positive metric increases - health, education, public safety - and every negative drops. Plain and simple. For decades, certain areas of Albany County have not had the stability they need to thrive. Through our Housing Agenda and the creation of our upcoming Revolving Loan Fund, we want to bring that stability to the often overlooked."

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: "Housing is not only a matter of quality of life but also a driver of economic vitality. The Legislature's efforts to expand affordable housing will strengthen neighborhoods, attract investment, and support a stable workforce. These are outcomes that benefit every community in Albany County."

Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Carolyn McLaughlin said: "I am so proud that the Legislative Black Caucus continues to create discussion opportunities for the public, local officials, and community experts and leaders together to talk directly about issues affecting everyday life here in Albany County. Starting with federal redlining, equitable and affordable housing, has been a core issue for Albany County for decades. With its Housing Agenda, the Legislature is taking the lead in addressing this crisis and community input is crucial for us to move forward successfully."

Affordable Housing Partnership Executive Director Susan Cotner said: "We applaud the leaders in Albany County who are actively working to address the affordable housing crisis in our communities. It will take a multi-faceted approach to improve housing quality and affordability."

Albany Housing Coalition Executive Director Sondra Young said: "At Albany Housing Coalition - Veteran's Housing & Services, we understand that affordable housing is the cornerstone of stability-especially for vulnerable populations like our veterans. Participating in this roundtable was an important step toward ensuring that the community's voice is included in policymaking. The initiatives outlined in the Legislature's Housing Agenda, particularly the Revolving Loan Fund, signal a real commitment to building and preserving housing that's accessible and dignified for all. We're proud to be part of a collaborative effort to turn these plans into lasting change."