Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Legislature this week unanimously passed a bill which invests in ongoing efforts to locally celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in 2026. The legislation, sponsored by Albany County Legislator Jeff Perlee (R-C, Altamont), reallocates funding to bolster the Albany County USA-250 Commission as they continue to meet and plan for USA-250 related tourism programming and economic development opportunities on the local level.

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“The 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026 will be the most significant commemoration of our nation’s history since the bicentennial. Our region was a leader in the War of Independence, giving us a great opportunity to put Albany County and the Capital District at the forefront of this national event. I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for continuing to invest in our work. Our Commission will foster a new appreciation for history, support local historical societies, and drive heritage tourism and economic development throughout Albany County,” said County Legislator Perlee, Chair of the Albany County USA-250 Commission.

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“Albany County’s USA-250 Commission has provided community stakeholders with a tremendous opportunity to get involved and help us prepare for a fantastic celebration of our nation’s history in 2026. As a resident of Albany County and promoter of local tourism/economic development efforts, I know these next few years will be critical to our region’s long-term prosperity. Thank you to the Albany County Legislature for continuing to believe in this initiative,” said Discover Albany Community Engagement Director Maeve McEneny-Johnson, Vice Chair of the Albany County USA-250 Commission.

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The Albany County USA-250 Commission was created in 2023 through bipartisan legislation introduced by Legislator Jeff Perlee and Majority Leader Dennis Feeney (D-C, Guilderland). Since swearing in Commission members in 2024, the group has met on a monthly basis to plan, coordinate and promote activities relating to the War of Independence anniversary. The Commission has emphasized not just key battles and events, but local people and figures of all backgrounds who were critical to our great nation’s founding.

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Albany County was the focal point of many important parts of the American War of Independence, and was critically the intended end point for British forces in the decisive Saratoga Campaign, which turned the tide of the conflict. The County was also home to many important leaders, political thinkers, and other individuals that took part in the American Revolution, such as the Schuyler family, Peter Gansevoort, Abraham Ten Broeck, and other prominent individuals.