Downtown News

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has announced $250,000 in grants available to brick and mortar businesses within the District to support re-opening and repairing following significant economic impact related to COVID-19 and vandalization during recent demonstrations.

Celebrating First Responders & Frontliners is a program launched by the City of Albany’s three Business Improvement Districts: Central Avenue, Downtown Albany, and Lark Street (BID), to thank the first responders and frontline workers whose dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic keeps the community safe, mobile, and fed.

At a time of distress, we’ve seen an incredible amount of generosity from individuals, businesses, and organizations within Downtown. If you're looking for some good news to boost your spirits, or are looking for ways to give back yourself, look no further. Know of a good great deed that’s happening as a result of COVID-19 not listed here? Share it with us via email at [email protected] or by using #SupportsmAlbany in your social posts.

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act recently passed by Congress includes funding for businesses and nonprofits. The following information was provided by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Congressman Paul Tonko.

Downtown restaurants make meals based on what ingredients you have!

Resources for small businesses and how to support them

Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order expanding the tax commissioner's authority to abate late filing and payment penalties, allowing the abatement of interest on quarterly and annual sales and use tax filings due March 20, 2020 for those unable to file and pay as a result of the COVID-19 virus. 

Downtown Albany hosts a wide variety of accessible, free public art by local, regional, and internationally renowned creators. The major public art and placemaking initiatives currently on view are listed and linked below. Click here for an interactive Google map highlighting all public art points of interest in Downtown.

The Road to the Final Four stops in Albany on March 19 & 21, 2020 at Times Union Center when the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference & Siena College host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament (game times and teams will be announced on March 15)!

May the road rise up to meet you... especially as you head to Downtown in celebration of all things St. Patrick's Day!