Here's a chance to make your voice heard on one of these advisory groups:
Airport Advisory Commission
The Airport Advisory Commission makes recommendations to the City Council and staff concerning the long-term, facility, and operational needs of the Albany Municipal Airport.
Community Development Commission
The Community Development Commission is established to review and recommend to the City Council housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development policies, actions, and programs that could be supported with funding, primarily through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Library
Board
The Library Board advises City Council on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, activities, and facilities of both libraries. The board also recommends policies on library services, including resolution of questions dealing with intellectual freedom challenges, to council and administers special trusts established for the library.
Parks, Recreation,
and Tree Advisory Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Commission advises City Council and the Parks and Recreation Department on park, trail, and facility improvements; prioritization and updates to the park master plan; policies for planting, removal, and care of public trees in Albany's urban forest; and support maintaining Albany's status as a Tree City USA since 1994.
Transportation Advisory Commission
The Transportation Advisory Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and staff on matters relating to transportation policy in Albany, such as providing transportation recommendations, evaluating service and demand alternatives, coordinating with agencies, advising on projects and funding, updating master plans, and tracking ODOT impacts for Albany.
How to Apply
Youth currently living within the city limits of Albany in grades 9-12 are welcome to apply.
A complete application includes answers to several questions, a teacher recommendation, and a code of conduct form signed by a parent or guardian.
Timeline
- Application deadline: September 27, 2026.
- Applicants notified of selection status: October 1, 2026.
- Orientation session: early October 2026, TBA
- Year-end wrap-up session: late May 2027, TBA
What is the time commitment?
All five groups meet on a regular monthly schedule:
- The Airport Advisory Commission usually meets on the third Thursday of every month at 3:30 pm at City Hall.*
- The Community Development Commission usually meets on the third Monday of each month at noon at City Hall.*
- The Library Board usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 pm at the Main Library.
- The Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Commission usually meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6 pm at City Hall.
- The Transportation Advisory Commission usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm at City Hall.
All citizen advisory groups offer participation by Zoom, although you are encouraged to participate in person if possible.
You will also participate in a short initial orientation and year-end wrap-up with the City Manager's Office and representatives of each of the five advisory groups. Dates, times, and location TBA.
What will my role be?
If selected, you will serve on one of the five included advisory groups during the 2026-2027 academic year. Youth members will not vote, make motions, or count toward quorum (the minimum number of members who must be present to hold the meeting).
You should be prepared to:
- Attend meetings regularly and review meeting materials in advance.
- Participate in discussions and share perspectives when recognized by the chair.
- Represent the interests and perspectives of Albany youth while respecting differing viewpoints.
- Serve as ambassadors for civic engagement within their schools and community.
Your input is encouraged in discussions, work sessions, and subcommittee meetings, but final decision-making authority remains with existing Council-appointed adult members.
Why are only five groups included in the pilot? How were they chosen?
The pilot program includes only certain advisory groups that have shown strong youth interest and offer opportunities for youth feedback to meaningfully influence work already underway—such as transportation planning, airport planning, CDBG funding decisions, and parks and recreation projects. Other advisory bodies were excluded because youth legally cannot serve on them, their structure makes youth participation impractical, or they meet too infrequently to provide a consistent, supportive experience.
