Recommendations / Civic Engagement / Big Idea # 3: Albany Days & Albany Is

Big Idea # 3: Albany Days & Albany Is

Part of the "CONNECT ALBANY" initiative

Civic EngagementAlbany-Dougherty$250,000–$500,000

Overview

Create a continuous community engagement and branding initiative through Albany Days and a revamped “Only One Albany” campaign. The initiative would promote community service, civic functions, physical fitness, health and wellness, equitable access, safety, and neighborhood-based celebrations that reconnect residents to Albany’s natural resources, cultural institutions, neighborhoods, and community identity.

Action plan

Short-term
Begin identifying sites and locations to host events; brainstorm and decide event dates; engage civic groups, churches, Albany State University, and others to establish a common day for host service events or citywide service day planning; identify a steering committee of governmental or lay leaders to serve as community spokespeople and assist with fundraising.
Medium-term
Develop marketing strategies to disseminate information about Albany Days; contact sponsors and event participants for Albany Moves and Good Life Days; secure funding and dates for Albany Culture Day; identify ways the “Only One Albany” campaign can fit into existing public health campaigns; recruit Phoebe Putney representatives to help develop and spread information; enact a public health and awareness campaign about all there is to do in Albany.
Long-term
Review effectiveness of selected campaign marketing strategies; pass planning and marketing responsibilities to community spokespeople; establish an Albany “street team” of top students from middle schools, high schools, and ASU to serve as the next-generation pipeline of passionate, connected Albanians.

Expected impact

Neighborhood PrideCommunity

Tracks whether residents take more pride in where they live, work, and do business.

Timeframe: Long-term
Natural Resource AppreciationCommunity

Tracks whether the initiative encourages Albanians to enjoy and appreciate Albany’s natural resources.

Timeframe: Long-term
Museum and Park AdmissionsEconomic

Tracks free admissions through museums and parks during Albany Culture Day.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Community ConnectionCommunity

Tracks whether Albany builds a better sense of community connection beyond tragic events and throughout the entire year.

Timeframe: Long-term
Public Health Campaign ReachCommunity

Tracks whether the “Only One Albany” campaign connects with existing public health campaigns and spreads information about recreation and health opportunities.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Albany Service Day ParticipationCommunity

Tracks creation of Albany Service Day and whether the community works together on neighborhood projects and city beautification.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Cross-Community EngagementCommunity

Tracks whether community-focused and community-led days of civic pride connect Albanians of different political, social, racial, economic, and gender identities.

Timeframe: Long-term
Albany Good Life Day AttendanceCommunity

Tracks attendees at Albany Good Life Day.

Timeframe: Medium-term
CVB Foot TrafficEconomic

Tracks visitors’ foot traffic in the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Only One Albany Campaign RevampCommunity

Tracks whether the “Only One Albany” campaign is used as a marketing and awareness tool for what is happening in Albany.

Timeframe: Medium-term

Key stakeholders

Phoebe Health SystemKiwanis, Rotary, Junior League, United Way, and other community service groupsAlbany State UniversityNeighborhood AssociationsKeep Albany-Dougherty BeautifulChurch and Religious Organizations, including Albany Baptist Minister’s AllianceIndustry and Cultural Institution SponsorsMiddle and High School StudentsSave Albany MembersASU National Panhellenic CouncilThronateeska Heritage CenterAlbany Civil Rights InstituteFlint RiverQuariumChehawAlbany Museum of ArtAlbany Police DepartmentBoys & Girls Clubs of Albany

Estimated budget

Addition to “Only One Albany” public health and awareness campaign: $50,000; Promotion of the various events: $50,000; Permitting: $10,000, or as specified by Albany Municipal Code; Cost of one day of operation for Thronateeska, Civil Rights Institute, Flint RiverQuarium, Chehaw, and Art Museum: $250,000 estimate.