City of Albany urges residents to spend tax rebates at local shops

By Linda (Linjun) Fan

The City of Albany started a Recycle Your Rebate campaign recently to boost its stagnant economy, urging residents to spend $100 of their tax rebates in local restaurants and shops.

Albany’s Administration Office has mailed out a discount card to every household in the city, which can be used to receive discounts from several dozen local businesses.

“Shopping in Albany is convenient, friendly, and cuts down your gasoline use,” said City Administrator Beth Pollard.

Albany local businesses feel chill of recession

Cafe Raj, a popular Indian food restaurant on Solano Avenue of Albany, suffered a 30 per cent drop in sales revenue in recent months due to ongoing recession. Photo by Linda (Linjun) Fan.

The chill of a nationwide recession has struck businesses in Albany. Restaurants, retail shops, and hair salons in the city are losing profits significantly.

“People are really hurting, ” said Rosemarie Eichner-Raja, owner of Cafe Raj restaurant.