Saratoga Springs Democrats

09/12/2026

25 years on and we are a nation changed, a people changed. Even those who weren’t there to remember have internalized the collective, earthshaking grief of September 11, 2001 and all that followed in its wake.

Hoping you and yours hugged each other a little tighter today. We must never forget.

They have no memory of the buildings missing from the skyline or airports without security lines. But they have strong feelings about how to regard the legacy of the attacks.

09/09/2026

As Democrats, we support *real reform* and streamlined government, but we're also committed to keeping the public informed, following the rules, pursuing transparency, and lowering costs — none of which has been happening with the City's Charter Reform efforts.

Saratoga Springs voters deserve better, and State Election Law entitles you to better. That's why Chair Ron Kim sent a letter to the County Board of Elections urging them to deny the City's ultra-late (ultra-illegal) push to add a ballot question for the November election. The rules don't just disappear because City Hall finds them inconvenient.

09/09/2026

In one week, thousands of partner organizations across the country will hit the streets on for a 24hr party!

Honor your vote and your voice by checking your registration here -> https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

09/06/2026

Thank you Commissioner Kermati! A true Democrat making sure our City’s infrastructure provides a safe and efficient water supply for many years.

Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works BK Keramati says that the city will have a multiyear plan, that will cost up to $7.5 million, to replace three miles of water main pipes.

09/06/2026

A new push to move up last call in Saratoga County has failed in committee, but the debate over late-night bar hours is continuing.

09/04/2026

With Labor Day upon us and Election Day just under two months from today, campaigns in our area are kicking it into high gear: knocking doors, making calls, rallying supporters, and doing everything they can to ensure a win. But they need YOUR help!

Find links to a host of volunteer and fundraising opportunities in the comments. Let's get out there, Saratoga Springs Dems 💪

08/13/2026

Mayor Safford says he's gutting Saratoga's historic preservation protections to help working families afford housing. That's a lie.

If Mayor Safford actually cared about housing affordability, he would bring mandatory inclusionary zoning to a vote at the next City Council meeting. That's the proven tool that forces developers to include affordable units in new projects. He won't — because this was never about affordability.

What it IS about: serving the moneyed interests of developers, corporations, and out-of-town property owners who want Saratoga's preservation protections out of their way. Working families are just the excuse.

Don't let him use you as cover for a developer giveaway. Saratoga Springs belongs to the people who live here — not to the highest bidder.

08/11/2026

Our neighbors to the north in NY-21 are facing a particularly contentious congressional race, and Blake Gendebien for the North Country needs our help to flip this seat 🔵

Blake will be in Saratoga Springs this Friday (8/14) with Paul Tonko for Congress and Carrie Woerner. Can you join them? See the link in comments to RSVP.

08/04/2026

Mayor Safford is at it again: throwing his weight around in an attempt to strip away the city's historic character. Safford is proposing significant and far-reaching changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the “rule book” for local zoning, land use, and design standards.

FIVE independent preservation organizations (including the State Historic Preservation Office and Preservation League of New York State) have now completed professional reviews of the proposed amendments and all are in agreement. The proposed UDO *must* be revised before it is adopted.

👀 What should concern you as a Saratoga Springs neighbor?

POLITICIZING DEMOLITION REVIEW: Under Safford's plan, the city's Design Review Board would no longer conduct meaningful demolition review for buildings in the Architectural District. Instead, if a building is more than 50 years old, the ultimate power to protect or demolish these structures would be granted *by a City Council vote* on whether the building should be designated a formal landmark.

LOSS OF FUTURE GRANTS & ASSISTANCE: The Preservation League of NYS described Saratoga Springs as a statewide leader in historic preservation and warned that several of the proposed amendments could undermine that reputation. The League concluded that these amendments could jeopardize Saratoga Springs' status as a Certified Local Government (CLG), potentially affecting preservation grants, technical assistance, and training opportunities.

🗣 What can you do to push back?

💬 ATTEND City Council TONIGHT, Tuesday, August 4 at 7pm and speak up during public hearing/public comment.
✍ EMAIL City Council before tonight's meeting (more info in the comments).
🤝 SHARE your concerns with neighbors and encourage them to speak out tonight at City Hall.

We all know and appreciate the value of Saratoga Springs' architectural character. Why is Mayor Safford so hell-bent on dismantling it?