Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $10 million grant for the Albany Convention Center Authority to support the expansion of the Albany Capital Center. The project aims to strengthen Albany’s role as a key destination for events and meetings in the Capital Region.
Since its opening in 2017, the Albany Capital Center has hosted over 1,100 events and welcomed more than 630,000 visitors. This activity has generated nearly $100 million in new visitor spending and resulted in over 133,000 hotel room nights booked throughout the region.
The new funding aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader plan to invest $400 million through the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative. The initiative is designed to revitalize downtown Albany by supporting local businesses, encouraging housing growth, improving public spaces, and enhancing cultural attractions.
“Albany isn’t just the State’s capital — it’s a place where residents should thrive and visitors should feel welcomed,” Governor Hochul said. “The Albany Capital Center is an iconic destination that bolsters tourism through exciting events. With this investment into its expansion, more residents and visitors will be able to experience what the Capital Region has to offer — from expositions to educational conferences — while uplifting the region’s local economy.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “New York’s investment in the Albany Capital Center is another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to revitalize our State’s proud capital city. By expanding this premier destination for events and conventions, we’re not only building upon the transformative Championing Albany ‘s Potential Initiative, but also enhancing Albany’s ability to attract world-class gatherings that support local businesses, create jobs, and generate sustained economic activity across the Capital Region.”
Albany Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski commented on regional collaboration: “We are thankful to be at the forefront of Governor Hochul’s CAP initiative in downtown Albany. The Albany Capital Center’s expansion will welcome larger events and more people to Albany — an American crossroads of history, innovation and culture. At a time where profound collaboration is paramount, the ACCA appreciates the partnership with the Governor’s Office, Empire State Development, the Albany County Executive, Albany County Legislature and other local elected officials.”
Local officials expressed support for both state funding and long-term plans for downtown revitalization. “The Albany Capital Center is a cornerstone of our community’s event and hospitality industry, and this funding will help unlock its full potential to attract larger events, generate new business opportunities, and boost our local economy. This grant will also bolster the county’s own financial commitment to the Convention Center’s expansion, and help accelerate our shared vision for the Downtown neighborhood. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this effort and for her continued dedication to strengthening Albany County,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
Albany County Legislature Chair Joanne Cunningham noted: “Everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Albany County wins today. A heartfelt thank you to Governor Hochul and her team for believing and investing in the capital city by adding this keystone piece in the partnership between New York State, Albany County, and the Convention Center Authority. The shockwave of economic activity that emanates from this expansion will bring tens of millions of dollars into downtown Albany and throughout Albany County. We are thrilled to see the expansion move forward with this additional investment and support by our Governor.”
State Senator Patricia Fahy added: “The Albany Convention Center is a key anchor and pillar institution of downtown Albany. Enlarging the Convention Center by adding space will strengthen its ability to attract events, conferences, and more to downtown Albany. Coupled with the $400 million we secured in this year’s budget, we’re making the necessary investments in our Capital City that will pay dividends in the future. I want to thank Governor Hochul and her team for recognizing the importance of reinvigorating and revitalizing our City, and I look forward to continuing to partner with her to ensure that it is indeed, finally Albany’s day.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III remarked: “Thank you to Governor Hochul for this exciting announcement in support of the Albany Capital Center (ACC) expansion. As a board member of the Albany Convention Center Authority, I’m proud to see this $54 million investment nearly double the size of the ACC, paving the way for more events and greater regional success for the Capital Region. Now in its eighth year of operation, the ACC welcomes up to 100,000 visitors annually from across the region and beyond generating significant sales tax revenue that supports local government budgets . . . This expansion . . . aligns with . . . revitalizing downtown.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said: “I’m thrilled to see this $10 million investment in . . . expand its capacity . . . I commend Governor Hochul for [the] $400 million investment through [the] Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) initiative that was included in this year’s budget.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan emphasized how increased capacity could attract more high-profile gatherings: “The expansion of [the center] will help New York’s Capital City attract even more world-class events… Thank you …for this important funding… coupled with [the] $400 million investment… helps catalyze even more investment…”
Discover Albany President Jill Delaney described how additional meeting space can accommodate larger groups previously unable or unwilling due lack of space.
The project at 126 State Street includes five new meeting rooms; a large multi-purpose room; expanded ballroom; pre-function area; plus an outdoor courtyard on State Street totaling 4 ,000 square feet—bringing total rentable space up from previous levels closer toward 84 ,000 square feet.
State funds allocated through ESD Regional Office recommendations supplement earlier investments intended as catalysts both locally within Downtown neighborhoods—and across New York State—for job creation as well as general economic development.
As part of these efforts under FY26 Enacted Budget provisions—$200 million targets commercial corridor improvements; up-to-$150-million goes toward transforming museums/cultural venues; $40-million supports reconnecting communities split by Interstate-787 construction decades ago; while smaller sums address public safety enhancements.
