From Fur Trade to Future Tech: Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Talks Trust, Progress, and the Power of Local Government

Albany, New York, might be best known as the state’s political capital, but Mayor Kathy Sheehan wants you to see it differently: as a historic, resilient, and forward-looking city with stories of innovation as deep as its 400-year roots. On a recent episode of The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, Mayor Sheehan opened up about the complexities of leading a capital city that doubles in population during legislative sessions—and the very real, day-to-day responsibilities that come with governing for both state leaders and year-round residents.

“We tell the story of America from fur trade to nanotech,” Sheehan quipped, reminding listeners that Albany’s role in American commerce and culture stretches far beyond the Capitol steps. A former city treasurer, she shared how a commitment to sustainability led to millions in savings, carbon cuts, and the creation of a full energy team—starting with one key move: convincing the state to fund a new staff position. “I said, this plan is just going to sit on a desk unless I have someone who can implement it. They said yes. And now we’ve saved millions,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan, now in her final term as mayor, is using her last year to finish what she started: a new community center in Albany’s most underserved neighborhood, a reimagined public pool, and a historic City Hall roof replacement. Through it all, she’s been guided by a deeply local approach to trust-building. “People shouldn’t have to call the mayor to get a pothole filled,” she said. “Good government works at the lowest possible level—and we’ve built that culture.”

As Sheehan prepares to pass the baton, her message is clear: real leadership means listening, following through, and letting residents shape their own future. “I never thought I’d be at the head of the table,” she reflected. “But I’ve learned that government isn’t magic—it’s people, showing up, solving problems, and doing what they said they’d do.” Listen to the full episode at GoodGovernmentShow.com.