Albany, NY – Assemblymember Gabriella Romero (D, WFP–Albany, Guilderland, New Scotland) and Mayor Dorcey Applyrs today announced the launch of the Cap City Collective, a new leadership and civic engagement initiative designed to give young adults a direct voice in shaping the future of their city. To support the initiative's launch and operations, Assemblymember Romero is providing $20,000 in funding to the Collective.

“Young adults are already leading in our neighborhoods, workplaces, classrooms, and community organizations. The Cap City Collective is all about making sure they also have a seat at the table where decisions are made,” said Assemblymember Romero. “I’m so proud to support this initiative with a $20,000 investment because young people bring so much to the fabric of our city. Albany is at its best when people feel connected to their community and excited to be part of it. The Collective is an opportunity to listen to young residents, celebrate their ideas, and create more ways for them to get involved in shaping the city they love.”

The Cap City Collective is part of a broader effort to engage young adults in Albany’s civic life and ensure their voices help shape the city’s future. Members will work with the offices of Assemblymember Romero and Mayor Applyrs to identify challenges facing young adults, provide feedback on government initiatives, and play a direct role in how grant funding is invested in programs, projects, and community events that strengthen civic engagement, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life.

“From day one, I have been clear that young voices will be represented throughout my Administration and have a meaningful role in shaping Albany’s future,” said Mayor Applyrs. “Young adults bring the energy, creativity, and vitality necessary to make a city feel alive. As we continue our work of making Albany a safe, vibrant, economic and cultural hub of our region, I look forward to working alongside the members of the Cap City Collective. Their vision will help to expand opportunity, strengthen our communities, and build a city where the next generation can thrive.”

Mayoral Fellow Sean Millington, who joined Assemblymember Romero and Mayor Applyrs at today’s announcement, will help lead the Collective, coordinate its meetings and activities, and help connect members, community partners, resources, and opportunities for engagement.

“Young people are the future of Albany, and I am grateful for Mayor Applyrs and Assemblymember Romero for recognizing how important it is that young voices be represented in government,” said Millington. “I am excited to work with these emerging leaders through the Cap City Collective to shape the future of our city together.”

The council will consist of 18 members, including one representative from each of Albany’s 15 wards and three students from any Albany-based college or university. Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 35 at the time of appointment and should demonstrate an interest in community engagement, civic leadership, or public service and be willing to represent the perspectives of young adults in their neighborhoods and throughout the city. Members must commit to attending monthly meetings, participating in Collective activities and events, and actively contributing throughout their one-year term.

Applications are now open and will close Friday, August 14, 2026. Those who are interested can apply online through the application portal linked on the home page of Assemblymember Gabriella Romero’s website.