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 funding is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Albany’s role as a key destination for events and meetings in the Capital Region.
Since opening in 2017, the Albany Capital Center has hosted over 1,100 events, drawing more than 630,000 visitors and generating close to $100 million in new visitor spending. The center has also contributed to over 133,000 hotel room nights in the region.
The new grant complements Governor Hochul’s $400 million investment through the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative, which aims to revitalize downtown Albany by working with local partners and stakeholders. This initiative is part of New York State’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
“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 added, “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.”
Monica Kurzejeski, Executive Director and CEO of the Albany Convention Center Authority, said: “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.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy stated: “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.”
Albany County Legislature Chair Joanne Cunningham commented: “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 said: “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 noted: “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… It also plays a key role in filling hotel rooms and boosting the local economy… A strong Capital City builds a stronger Capital Region…”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said: “I’m thrilled to see this $10 million investment in … expand its capacity … I commend Governor Hochul for … Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) initiative … included in this year’s budget … enhancing tourism … stimulating sustained economic growth…”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan remarked: “The expansion … will help New York’s Capital City attract even more world-class events… Thank you …for this important funding… leadership …for having vision… project … helps catalyze even more investment…”
Jill Delaney from Discover Albany added: “The expansion … brings much-needed meetings … allowing us grow current events… meet needs larger groups… We are thrilled that Governor has supported project.”
The project at 126 State Street includes five new meeting rooms; a large multi-purpose room; a ballroom; pre-function area on first floor; plus a 4,000 square foot courtyard on State Street designed for outdoor gatherings. When complete it will increase total rentable space at ACC up to 84,000 square feet.
Total cost for expanding ACC stands at $54.9 million—a sum that builds on earlier state investments intended both as job creation measures locally as well as broader economic stimulus across New York.
As part of broader plans under FY26 Enacted Budget—New York is directing $400 million toward revitalizing downtown areas including commercial corridors improvements ($200 million), cultural projects such as upgrades around State Museum ($150 million), reconnecting neighborhoods divided by infrastructure ($40 million), plus public safety enhancements ($1.5 million).
