The Albany Convention Center Authority was created in 2004 as a public benefit corporation by the enactment of Title 28-BB of the Public Authorities Law (Chapter 468 of the Laws of 2004).

The Authority was created to meet an immediate need to institute a comprehensive, coordinated program of convention activities in the city of Albany. It will provide the City of Albany with the ability to develop, renovate and undertake economic development projects in the historic downtown area to optimize the economic and social activities of city and its environs.