Ward 2 Representative· 2026-2029
Derek Johnson
Albany
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 22
- Total speaking time
- 1:58:46
- Avg per meeting
- 5:24
- Segments
- 1120
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Top issues during term (20)
2027 City Budget and Deficit Mitigation
Impacts tens of millions of dollars in city expenditures and revenues.
commuter tax
Suburban workers driving into Albany would pay more, while city residents might see some relief from property tax hikes.
Office of Violence Prevention Establishment
Funding will be allocated annually to violence prevention initiatives in high-violence wards through a community participatory budgeting process, though specific funding quantities and grant sources are still being navigated.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Financing
Work is nearly fully grant-funded — 77% federal with state grants covering the rest.
Rental Dwelling Registry and Presumption Criteria
Could increase enforcement and registration revenues while imposing compliance costs on landlords.
CPRB Complaint Backlog and Review Process
The board's 2027 request of about $658,000 is nearly $100,000 less than 2026.
Ranked Choice Voting Legislation
Could reduce city election expenditures by eliminating the June primary, though potentially offset by new administrative costs or board of elections restructuring.
Municipal Budget Review
Directly impacts city spending, tax rates, and municipal service funding.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Preparation
The FY2027 budget shapes city taxes and services; unguaranteed revenue could force cuts before December 1.
Albany Youth Safety and Support Hours Pilot Program
Requires city resources for youth safety programming.
Municipal Flag Redesign Portal and Voting Infrastructure
No direct fiscal impact is anticipated at this stage of the task force's operations.
Police Department Staffing Shortages and Officer Retention
General fund overtime spending is significantly exceeding initial budget assumptions.
City Debt Management and Bond Conversions
RAN issuance would cost $25K–$75K upfront plus interest, adding unprecedented costs to 2027.
City Budget Oversight and Charter Amendments
Creates a $10 million negative fund balance entering 2026 and threatens city borrowing costs.
Thurlow Terrace Stormwater Sewer Separation Project
July flood repairs alone cost $1 million; the new capital contingency is meant to absorb such emergencies.
PEG Access Oversight and Station Operations
Potential future budget adjustments to support full-time or part-time staffing for public access television operations.
Tax-Exempt Properties and Public Safety Cost Sharing
~$500K projected revenue.
Department of General Services Uniform and PPE Budget Adjustment
Dictates funding levels for daily city maintenance and public spaces upkeep.
Rapp Road Transfer Station Environmental Review
$12 million bond plus about $2.7 million in added annual costs from 2028 and $10 million in phased landfill closure costs.
Battery Energy Storage Systems Zoning Regulations
Impacts green energy capital investments and municipal utility planning.
Decisions during term (270)
Recorded while Johnson was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn
Adjourn Meeting
Approval of 2026 Budget Transfers for Youth Services and Water Department
Approval of Minutes – Sept 18, 2026
Treasurer's Report
Resolution 103.92.26R — Central Avenue & Frisbie Avenue Reconstruction funding
Resolution 104.92.26R — Frisbie Avenue Rehabilitation construction funding
Local Law R of 2026 (Rental Dwelling Registry and Presumption)
Officer Elections - Chair
Officer Elections - Vice Chair
Approval of September 3, 2026 Minutes
2026-001 – APD Policy Recommendation Related to General Order 2.4.00
2026-002 – Recommendation to Amend Chapter 42 Part 33
2026-003 – Recommendation to include the CPRB in CBAs
Removal of Remote Meeting Participation
Approval of Legal Services Agreement
Closure of Complaints Over 120-Day Review Period
CC2025-008 – Member Garland – Det. Dixon
CC2025-021 – Member Garland – Det. Dixon
Voting record (8)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Local Law R of 2026 (Rental Dwelling Registry and Presumption)
Ordinance 5.31.26: Amending Inclusionary Zoning Requirements
Voted against the measure due to concerns over displacement and the weakening of affordable housing protections.
RESOLUTION 4.12.26R (Updated 2/4/2026) A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL APPROVING A TRANSFER OF BUDGETED FUNDS IN THE 2026 CITY BUDGET, WHICH WILL AFFECT A SALARY RATE OR SALARY TOTAL
Resolution 5.12.26R
Approval of Local Law B of 2026: Senior Citizens Tax Exemption Affidavit
Approval of Local Law C of 2026: Majority Whip Position and Salaries
Questioned the necessity of a whip in a council of Democrats and cited public struggles.