City of Albany Ward 1 Commissioner Jon Howard talks agenda for 2024

ALBANY, Ga. – A new year means new issues to tackle. And that’s why we met with a member of Albany’s City Commission to talk about what’s on the docket for 2024.

Ward 1 Commissioner Jon Howard, who will be serving a 30th year on the city commission, says one of the biggest projects the city is trying to make progress on is the Water, Gas and Lighting building just across Pine Avenue from the Government Center.

“We should start seeing projects take place at the Water, Gas and Lighting building because the developer has gotten his money. And, he’s making some other adjustments to the project. But, we’re glad because this has been, not an eyesore, but a sore thorn for a number of years. So, we’re glad it’ll be coming downtown,” said Jon Howard, Ward 1 Commissioner, City of Albany.

There is one aspect of Albany’s infrastructure that Howard says the city needs to work on over the next year…

The upgrades to the sewer system thanks to lobbying from Senator Jon Ossoff, with the goal of having those upgrades by 2025.

“…And, we’re certainly because it will be mandated by 2025 to have at least 85 percent of it. So, of course, they’re here, they’re doing the work. And, we’re just making sure we get the right business to do it, and that would be a great relief,” said Commissioner Howard.

As well, Howard spoke about the economic impact of the Harlem Revitalization Project as well as indoor sports returning downtown.

“…That should be a good revenue and a good afternoon for kids and families. And, it will be a good quality of life for the citizens of Albany to come out and support these teams,” said Commissioner Howard.

And, Commissioner Howard believes that after years of planning, the spending on these projects this year will help downtown Albany turn the corner.

“You add all of those together, you’re looking at pretty close to $100-some million dollars will be invested in downtown this year, and a lot of these projects should be completed by the end of next year,” said Commissioner Howard.

With commissioners and the mayor set to be sworn in on Monday, there’s plenty of places to work on in the Good Life City in the coming year.

The City of Albany will swear in their city commissioners at a special meeting this coming Monday at 6 p.m.

Brian Roche reporting.

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