Albany proclaims June Pride Month; manager lists parks, voter reminders and safety events

The Albany City Council on June 1 proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, directing the progress pride flag be flown at Albany City Hall, the Albany Community Center and the Solano/Kiru flagpole during June. Council member Jordan read the proclamation, citing the city's commitment to inclusion and youth-support work by local groups.

The city manager used the meeting to remind residents that the June primary and an on-site ballot drop box at city hall remain available, and announced the Albany Police Department will offer optional pride patches for uniform wear through June. The patches were designed in-house by an officer, the manager said, and the Police Department recently participated in a regional Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Staff also outlined near-term capital work: construction to improve accessibility, shade, and pathways at Peggy Thompson Pier Street Park funded by Proposition 68 and local Measure M parks funds; a community safety expo hosted by police and fire on June 6 focused on disaster preparedness; neighborhood block captain workshops in mid‑June; and Fourth of July family events. The manager said staff will soon publicize details for a housing and resource expo on Aug. 18.

During public comment, residents praised the Pride proclamation. The manager and staff also responded to queries about outreach: staff confirmed targeted mailings were sent to ADU permit holders and said broader survey outreach and events are planned to gather more accurate housing data.

The council took no formal policy action tied to these announcements; the meeting proceeded to consent items and public hearings.