In comparison to Corvallis, Albany has always lacked what Corvallis has. Corvallis is also more populated than Albany, but over the years, Albany has had a boost in population.   

    According to United States Census Bureau’s report “Population and Housing Unit Estimates” from 2010, Albany grew from a total of 50,158 people to an estimated 53,211 in 2016. That’s an increase of 6.1%. Corvallis, on the other hand in grew from 54,462 people in 2010, to an estimated 57,110 in 2016, which is only a increase of 4.9%. If this trend continues, in a couple of years, Albany will surpass the Corvallis population.

    Our growing population gives Albany the chance to develop and advance. Albany is also utilizing the Central Albany Revitalization Area committee, or CARA, which is used to “Increase the economic vitality, encourage the use of vacant and underused land and buildings, and rehabilitate structures while increasing property values both in CARA and the City of Albany” as stated on Central Albany Revitalization Area (CARA).

    Jorge Salinas, Assistant City Manager/Chief Information Officer states for the Total annual value of CARA investments in public-private partnerships, Albany’s target is $500,000, which was met last year and again this year. Our private investment target is $2,500,000, which hasn’t been met yet with only $1,700,000. This will maximize the total investment and development effort in Central Albany

    With the increase in the Albany population and the CARA plan in play, renovation and construction are soon to follow. Ed Hodney, Interim Urban Renewal Director writes on Central Albany Code Update, “The proposed code changes are intended to encourage uses and development consistent with urban renewal goals.  The amendments will affect the Historic Downtown (HD), Central Business (CB), and Waterfront (WF) zones and will create a new zone, called the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMU)”

    From this, Albany plans on creating a downtown that is spirited and lively. Within the coming years, if everything goes accordingly, Albany will be more full and developed than ever.