October 29, 2021
NEW CITY TREES FREE TO ADOPT
Now is the time to apply for street tree planting

Individual property owners can apply to have a street tree planted by the City in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. Additionally, as per action taken by the City Council, revenues from the recently approved Measure DD will now waive the costs for adopting a new street tree in the public right-of-way in front of your home (See Resolution No. 2021-102). 

What are the benefits of planting more trees in our urban forest?  

Albany strives to be a green City in many ways, including actively taking care of our urban forest. In summer, trees promote energy savings through shading, and in fall and winter the urban canopy helps deflect wind and water run-off, limiting flooding. Trees reduce noise pollution, create privacy, furnish homes for birds, supply fresh air, and offset the impacts of air pollution. Trees also make our neighborhoods more beautiful, and increase property values! 

Additionally, carbon sequestering in trees helps to lower the effects of global warming by lowering ambient air temperatures and reducing evaporation, resulting in a cooler, greener environment.  

Click the buttons below for more information and to fill out an application.
GLOW STICK GIVEAWAY AND HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Welcome back Albany Trick-or-Treaters!

While we are still practicing safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alameda County Public Health has provided guidance that trick-or-treating for the Halloween holiday is generally a safe activity (see more information on the Alameda County Public Health website).

To help welcome back our Albany Trick-or-Treaters, the Albany Police Department will be doing their annual glow stick giveaway on City streets during the trick or treating hours. Each year the department is out and about with the community on Halloween to hand out glowsticks to help children safely find their way through City streets in search of treats as one of the many community engagement programs the department provides.

The police department has also prepared the following safety tips for all members of our community.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Ease of Masking Requirements for Fully Vaccinated People in Limited Indoor Settings

Beginning November 1, the County of Alameda will ease masking requirements in certain indoor settings where everyone is fully vaccinated. Eligible settings are in controlled spaces not open to the general public, including offices, gyms and fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, and organized gatherings in other indoor settings where a group gathers on a regular basis, like religious gatherings. There can be no more than 100 persons present at these facilities.

The Alameda County Public Health Department has provided additional information:

Find a vaccination clinic near you or call 510-208-4VAX (510-208-4829). Residents can drop by a location near them and don’t need an appointment at County-supported vaccinations Points of Dispensing (PODs) and most pop-ups.

City Services Available During COVID-19

Counter services at City Hall, the Community Center, and Senior Center are available in-person to the community. Appointments are highly encouraged. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings.

Residents of Albany are encouraged to apply for a vacancy on the Economic Development Committee. 

The Economic Development Committee shall advise the City Council on matters related to promoting vital and inviting business areas and advancing economic development within the City. The Committee shall assess the current and ongoing business climate in the City and submit recommendations to the City Council intended to maintain a strong economic base in the City.

If interested, please complete an online application or contact the Albany City Clerk Office at 1(510) 528-5710 for more information.
REMINDER: STREET & STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE  
Autumn is here! With Fall comes wet weather and falling leaves on our sidewalks, driveways, and streets.

It’s important to keep your storm drain clean and free of obstruction so that the City’s street sweeper can do a good job preventing seasonal flooding.

Cleanup Tips:
  • Rake up leaves and put them in your green waste bin for disposal. 
  • Do NOT leave leaf piles in the street! It’s against the City code and can clog the street sweeper. 
  • Pick up larger trash and dispose in your waste bins – protect the SF Bay! 

Please contact the Public Works department for information about available sand and sandbags at (510) 524-9543.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our City clean, safe, and free of flooding this season.
ARTIST APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER GALLERY
Are You an Artist Interested in Displaying Your Work?
The Albany Arts Committee is now accepting applications for the Community Center Foyer Gallery. Application deadline is April 1, 2022. Click HERE to find out more information on how to apply.
GRANTS FOR HOME REPAIRS
The Alameda County Healthy Homes Department Minor Home Repair Program provides repair grants to improve the health and safety of your home. Minor home repair grants can be used for minor plumbing, carpentry, electrical repairs, railings, grab bars, toilets, doors, locks, water heaters, and more.

To apply for a Minor Home Repair grant, call +1 (510) 567-8280.
FOOD, CHILDCARE, AND OTHER ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Local, state, and federal governments and organizations have a number of programs and services to help people who may be short on money due to the pandemic. Lists of resources include food services, rental assistance, family support, financial assistance and health care resources.

Click the buttons below for resources and assistance available to Albany residents.
REMINDER TO COMPOST YOUR HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS
When you’re done celebrating Halloween weekend, place your expired Jack-o-lanterns in the green organics cart so that it can become nutrient-rich compost.
Sign up for local emergency alerts. 

If you live, work, or visit Alameda County, take a moment to sign up for "AC Alert", the Alameda County emergency notification system. Signing up will allow you to receive emergency and topical information about flooding, earthquakes, fires and other emergencies occurring in your area.

To sign up for AC Alert go to http://ACAlert.org
And also be sure to follow the City of Albany Twitter account. When communication services are limited, Twitter is where government agencies, relief organizations, media, volunteers, and citizens go to communicate and collaborate - fast.

Feel like you didn't know about a public meeting topic, street repair on your block or the local dog park going in across the street?

Sign-up for the City of Albany’s E-Notification system and get information and updates going on Around Your Block.
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS
City meetings are still virtual until further notice. Please see the City Calendar for all public meeting attendance and viewing options.
City Council | Monday, NOV 1 | 6 PM
Social & Economic Justice Commission | Tuesday, NOV 2 | 7 PM
Financial Advisory Committee | Wednesday, NOV 3 | 7 PM
Economic Development Committee | Thursday, NOV 4 | CANCELED
Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission | Thursday, NOV 4 | 7 PM | RESCHEDULED from NOV 11