Mayor-elect Applyrs Outlines Vision for More Responsive, Effective, and Transparent City Government

Staffing in the Applyrs Administration Will be Based on Feedback from Residents and Businesses, Collected Over the Incoming Mayor’s 3-Year Campaign

(Albany, NY), November 10, 2025 – Mayor-elect Dorcey Applyrs today provided a blueprint for a more responsive, effective, and transparent city government through the expansion of top-level staff at City Hall, which will take effect when she is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026.

 Six positions, which require an investment of approximately $500,000, are being created in direct response to feedback provided to Mayor-elect Applyrs and her team throughout her campaign. Residents and business owners expressed a strong desire to see a transformation of city government to make it more responsive and communicative.

 “Albany talked and we have listened,” Mayor-elect Applyrs said. “In order to deliver a city government that truly represents and delivers on behalf of all Albany residents and business owners, we need people to do the work. Too many times, I heard constituents say they felt overlooked by or disconnected from City Hall. No more. We are committed to attracting experienced, dedicated staff to fill roles across my administration, and ensure existing city employees at all levels have the support they need to do their jobs as effectively as possible.”

The new positions are:

• Deputy Mayor (required by law) - Reports directly to the mayor and will help drive key priorities across government.

• Counsel to the Mayor & Director of Policy - Advises on all legal and policy matters, devising strategies to protect and implement the mayor’s transformative agenda, the administration, the city and its residents.

• Director of Economic Opportunity & Development – Charged with cutting through red tape to attract new business, create jobs and opportunity, and expand the tax base, as well as supporting existing businesses of all sizes.

• Director of Communications – Directs proactive and responsive communications to raise awareness of the Applyrs administration’s policies, initiatives, and projects.

• Director of Digital & Community Communications – Works in tandem with the Communications Director to ensure all a comprehensive approach to directly engage with residents and raise awareness of the administration’s work.

• Director of Intergovernmental Affairs – Serves as the liaison to the Common Council as well as to governmental counterparts at the local, county, state, and federal levels.

 Councilmembers expressed early support for Mayor-elect Applyrs’ vision and staffing plan.

 “Albany residents deserve a city government that meets them where they are: responsive, proactive, and always engaged,” said Councilmember Owusu Anane, 10th Ward. “These new positions in the mayor-elect’s office will help us do just that. By expanding capacity, we can ensure every neighborhood gets the attention it deserves, while reducing burnout on existing staff. This investment is about building a government that listens, acts, and delivers for our residents – something they have demanded for a long time.”

“A stronger, better-staffed Mayor’s Office means a more coordinated approach to city government,” said Councilmember Tom Hoey, 15th Ward, chair of the Public Safety Committee. “As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I know how important this is. From improved communication with our police and fire departments, to quicker responses for residents and businesses, these positions will help strengthen the connection between City Hall and the people we serve. Public safety isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about communication, engagement, and trust, and this expanded team will help us move forward on all three.”

 “The 5th Ward has always had strong voices and deep resilience; what we’ve needed is more capacity at City Hall to match that energy to provide additional attention and investment,” said Councilmember Jahmel Robinson, 5th Ward. “With the Mayor-elect’s plan to expand her team, we’ll finally have more hands and hearts focused on bringing resources, programs, and opportunities where they’re needed most. This investment is about building on what has been done, and ensuing every neighborhood feels the presence and partnership of their city government.”

For media inquiries, please contact Liz Benjamin at Liz@Marathonstrategies.com or 518-424-0356.