January 19, 2026
Friends, neighbors, and fellow Trojans,
We have a chilly few weeks ahead of us. Make sure to check on your neighbors who might need assistance, a familiar face, or a helping hand with staying warm this winter. Financial assistance is available for those struggling with food insecurity or home heating costs.
There's been a lot to digest in the news lately. During this era of anxiety and crisis I know things feel scary out there right now—there's so much uncertainty about the future of our country and the world that it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But the antidote is community.
So, put down that phone, log off Facebook and social media, and take a moment to say hello to your neighbors. Grab a coffee with friends. Come to a city council meeting and express your thoughts about what's happening in our city. You'd be surprised how many people you'll meet who are equally passionate about our city.
There's also many programs available throughout our city for you to experience. Check out the Hart Cluett Museum, the Lansingburgh Historical Society, or the Burden Iron Works Museum to learn more about our city's history. Visit the Troy Public Library to find a new book, movie, or music to enjoy. You can also stop by the Arts Center of the Capital Region to flex your creative side at available classes.
More importantly, you can make a difference by volunteering. Today (January 19), is Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, a federal holiday which was designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities.
There's many places where you can volunteer your time, like sorting donations at a local food bank or lending an hand at other organizations that help those struggling with hunger, homelessness, or addiction. Alternatively, you can make donations to charities that do important work in Troy and Rensselaer County.
But, most of all, just look out for one another. We're in this together.
Onward,
Sue Steele
Council President
State of the City Address
The council was informed the annual State of the City Address will be held on Wednesday, February 11. The mayor's staff declined to provide the location.
I respectfully requested the mayor ensure all expenses for the event are approved by the City Auditor to ensure proper processes are followed. An estimated $10,000 was spent by the Mantello administration for two previous State of the City speeches (2024 and 2025).
$10,000 might not seem like a lot to the mayor, but with so many Troy residents and families struggling with higher prices for groceries and everyday expenses, I hope we can avoid any unecessary spending this year.
IDA Vote on City Hall Settlement
On Friday, the Troy Industrial Development Authority (IDA) narrowly approved the extension of the PILOT agreement for 433 River Street. The extension was arranged to settle a lawsuit brought by First Columbia from the mayor's premature termination of the city's lease at the Hedley Building.
I recused myself from the vote, and expressed my opposition to the IDA becoming financially involved to a lawsuit which it's not a party to. This sets bad precedent and gives the impression the IDA can be used as a piggybank to buy an administration out of trouble, regardless of who is in office.
Recent Interviews
Earlier this month, I spoke with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine to discuss the council's plans and priorities for 2026.
Upcoming Council Meetings
The council will hold four committee meetings at City Hall, 433 River Street, on Thursday, January 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
I encourage residents to subscribe for email updates to receive notifications on upcoming meetings and legislation under consideration by the council:
https://troyny.gov/315/City-Council
Latest Updates
Jan 14, 2026: Last week, the administration confirmed the $6 million bond for improvements at Frear Park was drafted incorrectly. The council is considering next steps.
Nov. 4, 2025: Troy voters overwhelmingly elected a new 7-member Democratic majority to the city council.
Oct. 31, 2025: The vote to approve a thirty year lease for a new city hall—scheduled for days after Election Day—should be delayed until a new council is seated in January.