LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Carolyn McLaughlin upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Capital District YMCA President's
Award on April 21, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Carolyn McLaughlin upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Capital District YMCA President's Award to be celebrated at its
Annual President's Award Dinner, on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at the
Albany Marriott, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A proud Albany native, Carolyn McLaughlin earned a bachelor's
degree in Chemistry from Keuka College; after receiving a National Urban
Fellowship, she completed her masters' in Public Administration from
Baruch College of New York City; and
WHEREAS, After completing her studies, Carolyn McLaughlin worked for
10 years as a research chemist in the areas of cosmetics development and
nuclear weapons research; and
WHEREAS, For the past 28 years, Carolyn McLaughlin has strived to
affect such important issues as affordable housing, rehabilitation of
abandoned property, education reform, healthcare, and the War on Drugs,
as well as childcare and senior services, in an effort to improve the
quality of life across all neighborhoods in the city of Albany; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the Albany Common Council in 1997, Carolyn
McLaughlin proudly represented the Second Ward in the historic South End
for 12 years; during this time, she served as Majority Leader and held
memberships on the Finance, Taxation and Assessment and Planning,
Economic Development and Land Use committees; and
WHEREAS, After serving three terms as Second Ward Council Member,
Carolyn McLaughlin became the first African-American President of the
Albany Common Council in 2009; and
WHEREAS, While serving as an elected leader, Carolyn McLaughlin also
worked as an Assistant Manager in the Human Resources Department of the
New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS); in addition, she
served in the New York State Division of Budget, and as Assistant Manag-
er for Budget and Planning; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, this esteemed civic leader began her second four-
year term as Common Council President, and was also elected Chair of the
Albany County Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, During her illustrious tenure, Carolyn McLaughlin served as
Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee where she over-
saw the Community Development Block Grant process; she was also a
passionate advocate for quality affordable housing in the City of Alba-
ny, and co-sponsored legislation which established a vacant building
registry; and
WHEREAS, In her role as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Carolyn
McLaughlin was the lead sponsor for legislation which established the
Citizens Police Review Board in the City of Albany; she also served on
the South End Task Force, and helped in discussions which resulted in
the opening of the Capital South Campus Center in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Carolyn McLaughlin has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; currently, she serves as a member

of the Capital South Campus Center Advisory Board, the Schenectady Coun-
ty Community College Albany Advisory Committee, the Black Woman's Asso-
ciation of Albany and the Woman's Club of Albany; and
WHEREAS, A woman of faith, Carolyn is an active member of the Mt.
Calvary Baptist Church and serves as a member of the Martin Luther King
Scholarship Committee of the Capital Area Council of Churches; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Carolyn McLaughlin has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Carolyn McLaughlin has displayed
throughout her life; she has exhibited the true spirit of this esteemed
award through her tireless dedication to the YMCA and her community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Carolyn McLaughlin upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the Capital District YMCA President's Award on April 21, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carolyn McLaughlin.