Peggy McQuaid embodies what it means to be deeply rooted in Albany. She grew up here, still lives in the same house, spent 19 years running the Albany Pool, and has dedicated decades to community service through organizations ranging from Rotary to Meals on Wheels. After serving eight years on the City Council from 2014 to 2022, including two years as Mayor, she was re-elected in 2024 and will rotate into the mayoral position again in December 2025.
Her path to leadership has been shaped by her work with Albany families of all backgrounds, her experience raising her daughter Joey (who passed away in 2017), and her belief in quiet, thoughtful leadership that puts community first. We sat down with McQuaid to learn more about her vision for Albany and what drives her commitment to this 1.8-square-mile city.
You’re a true Albany native who still lives in the house where you grew up. What does it mean to you to serve Albany again as Mayor, especially coming back after a few years away from the Council?
As a lifelong Albany resident who still lives in the home where I grew up, serving our community is deeply personal to me. Albany isn’t just where I work – it’s where I was raised, where I built my life, and where my roots run deep. That connection makes the responsibility of serving especially meaningful.
I’ve truly loved my years on the City Council. It was an honor to be elected again in 2024 after terming out and completing the required two-year wait to run again. Even during that time off the Council, I stayed actively engaged in our community because I always knew I wanted to return to public service.
It’s also important for people to understand that our Mayor is elected by the Council on a prescribed rotational basis. Being selected by my colleagues to serve in this role is both humbling and gratifying.
I’m especially grateful to follow in the footsteps of the many community leaders who came before me – particularly the remarkable women who helped shape Albany’s future. I learned so much from them, and I often reflect on the example they set. I hope they would be proud of the work we’re continuing to do for our city.
You spent 19 years as Albany Pool Director. How did that role shape your understanding of what makes Albany special, and how does that experience inform your approach to city leadership?
Spending 19 years as Director of the Albany Pool was one of the most formative experiences of my professional life. Although the pool – now the Albany Aquatic Center – is owned and operated by the Albany Unified School District, it has always been far more than a school facility. It is truly a community asset.
The pool brought together people of all ages and abilities – from babies taking their first lessons to seniors maintaining their health and independence. Real community was built there among staff, swimmers, and families. I still meet residents who fondly remember their time at the pool, and it makes me smile knowing that staff members from decades ago remain connected. That spirit of connection is what makes Albany so special.
Working at the pool also gave me a firsthand education in how local government functions. I collaborated closely with staff and regional colleagues, prepared budgets, and attended Board of Education meetings. Those experiences have been invaluable in my work on the City Council and now as Mayor.
My years at the pool reinforced something I firmly believe: a city is more than streets and buildings – it has a heart and soul. You see it in how we treat one another and in the countless hours residents give in service. That understanding continues to guide my leadership.
You’re deeply involved in what feels like every corner of Albany life, from Rotary to the Film Fest to delivering Meals on Wheels. What drives that level of community engagement?
I truly love the work I do – both as Mayor and as a volunteer. In every role, I have the privilege of working alongside people deeply committed to making Albany the best it can be. That dedication inspires me.
Organizations like Albany Rotary, the Albany Community Foundation, and Meals on Wheels each offer meaningful ways to serve – whether through charitable giving, strengthening creativity and engagement, mentoring youth, or supporting seniors.
I’m motivated by both the variety and the challenge. Each project stretches me in different ways. At the heart of it all is a simple belief: when we show up for one another, our entire city becomes stronger.
Your daughter Joey was such a beloved part of the Albany community. How did raising her here shape your perspective on what it means to build an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone?
Thank you for bringing Joey into this conversation. She was such an important part of Albany – and Albany was such an important part of her life. She was always included in whatever was happening: eating at our local restaurants, visiting our parks, swimming in the pool, and attending community events. Everywhere we went, she was greeted warmly and accepted fully.
Our life here shaped my understanding of what true inclusion looks like. It’s not just policies or programs – it’s a feeling. It’s the knowledge that you belong, that you are seen, valued, and protected by your community.
That’s what I want for everyone in Albany. I want every resident – regardless of age, ability, background, or circumstance – to feel the same sense of belonging that Joey felt. A truly welcoming community is one where people don’t just live side by side, but look out for one another.
Joey’s life reinforced for me that building an inclusive city isn’t abstract – it’s deeply personal. It’s about creating a place where every family can feel supported, connected, and embraced.
You’ve seen Albany change over decades. What’s changed for the better, and what do you hope stays the same?
Albany has evolved significantly over the decades. In the past, it had a reputation as a conservative, predominantly white, working-class town that was not always welcoming to people of color. It’s important to acknowledge that history.
Over time, we have changed in meaningful and positive ways. Today, Albany is a majority-minority community, and that growing diversity has enriched every aspect of our city – from our schools and small businesses to our civic life and cultural celebrations. I want to ensure that progress continues and that we remain committed to being a city where people from all backgrounds feel they belong.
One of Albany’s most unique celebrations is Dinner with Albany, which returned last year and quickly reclaimed its place as a favorite community tradition. Moving it to Memorial Park made it even more family-friendly. Gathering 2,000 neighbors to share a meal at beautifully decorated tables under twinkling lights is a magical experience – one that truly reflects the spirit of Albany.
What I hope never changes is our strong sense of community spirit. Albany has always had neighbors who look out for one another, volunteers who step up, and residents who care deeply about what happens here. As we grow and become more diverse, my hope is that this spirit only grows stronger.
In our 15-minute city, what are your favorite Albany spots?
One of my favorite things about living in a 15-minute city is that I can walk from my house to every part of Albany – and I do, often daily. Walking through town keeps me connected, not just to places, but to people.
Rather than naming just one coffee shop or restaurant, what I treasure is the abundance of independent businesses, which give our small city an outsized sense of vibrancy. I genuinely enjoy all of them and have different favorites at each.
Rather than feeling divided into separate neighborhoods, Albany feels like one big neighborhood. Our locally owned shops and restaurants are truly the heart of our community. When I’m out walking, I almost always run into someone I know. I treasure those spontaneous conversations – the chance to stop, catch up, and connect. That everyday sense of familiarity and belonging is what makes Albany feel like home.
What do you hope residents remember about your leadership?
I am incredibly proud to serve as Mayor of Albany. If there’s one thing I hope residents remember about my leadership, it’s that I stood up for them.
I believe in quiet leadership. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room – it’s about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and making sure every person feels heard and respected. Leadership, to me, means creating space for others, building consensus where possible, and making decisions grounded in care for our community.
The questions and concerns of our community matter to me. I strive to respond to every email and phone call, and I welcome the opportunity to meet if a conversation would be helpful.
Above all, I approach this role with deep gratitude and a sincere commitment to serving everyone in Albany.
