ALBANY — Nearly a year after it was first introduced, the Common Council on Monday adopted an "equity agenda" that uses measurable data to aid in decisions for improvements across the city's communities.

Born out of conversations following a violent summer in 2018, the legislation outlines a system to analyze public works projects and quality-of-life issues from ward to ward, in turn providing data that shows where tax dollars are spent.

Council President Corey Ellis, who co-sponsored the legislation with council member Dorcey Applyrs, said the ordinance is a good start to focusing on equity across the city — from who is hired in various city departments to what neighborhoods get street and sidewalk repairs.

“What’s important is the data doesn’t just come through the council, but goes through the Human Rights Commission,” Ellis said. “It gives them a path of what they should be looking for when it comes to hiring and how we spend resources.”

Communities of color have disproportionately suffered from redlining practices, concentrated poverty and a generally lower allocation of services — contributing to historic racism and discrimination, which city officials aim to undo using data to back up spending and programming decisions.

Since Mayor Kathy Sheehan took office in 2014, she has touted her administration’s focus on making the city more equitable, pointing to projects, improvements and public discussion events. With a requirement to track and report these efforts, data will now back up anecdotal examples.

“The equity agenda is a long time coming; West Hill is the neighborhood that historically suffered the effects of redlining,” Councilman Jahmel Robinson said. “Today is a great day for me because I know that we as a council will be on the right side of history to make life better for (children) and other generations of children who come behind us.”

The policy includes ensuring trash cans are evenly distributed throughout Albany neighborhoods, prioritizing capital projects in city wards that have seen little or no enhancements, and making sure neighborhood roads and sidewalks are regularly and adequately updated. The legislation also outlines a Violence Prevention Task Force and a scholarship program, among other initiatives.

Pine Hills Councilman Owusu Anane applauded the “long overdue” ordinance.

“I'm glad to see the city stating that an equitable approach to providing city services is a priority,” he said. “Assuring that we are working for each and every neighborhood will move our city forward.”

Anane was among 12 council members who voted for the legislation, which garnered debate among some members as it was brought to the floor Monday night.

Three others — council members Richard Conti, Judy Doesschate and Joseph Igoe — voted "present," unwilling to vote because they felt the legislation had not been vetted by all council members.

Igoe, who organized a law committee meeting Monday prior to the full council session to discuss the proposal, said before the vote that there should be further discussion so all council members could weigh in. The ordinance was voted out of committee and brought to the full council for a vote.

The lack of continued dialogue on the matter prompted Conti to announce his resignation as president pro tempore, a council member-elected position that leads the caucus and agenda of meetings, Ellis said.

“It’s not like this legislation is brand-new to anyone,” he said. “That’s what I was sort of dismayed about. … It’s been sitting in committee for a year.”

Conti’s resignation will take effect Friday, and council members will have to elect a new president pro tempore at their next caucus, Ellis said.

Conti declined to comment on the matter. Fellow council members wished him the best, and praised the experience he brought to the body.

“It’s sad that Richard is resigning under the circumstances,” Councilman Jack Flynn said. “ ... His knowledge of government and laws is irreplaceable. There is no one on the council that can fill his shoes.”