The city of Albany began work this week on its first-ever comprehensive city plan with three public meetings.

Albany counts around 94,000 residents.According to the Times Union, the goal of the meetings is to gather opinions on what works and what doesn't in Albany and what changes residents want to over the next two decades. The yearlong data gathering process -- called Albany 2030 -- will focus on land use, transportation, housing, development, the economy and social, community and cultural facilities.

Albany's Director of Planning, Doug Melnick, said the goal is to produce a document that "can be viewed as really the road map for the city for the next 20 years, and it will address all aspects of city life."

The visioning meetings begin with a short presentation, followed by attendees breaking out into small groups to log their answers to a series of questions in three categories: Albany's existing strengths and opportunities, its existing challenges and weaknesses, and where the city should be in 20 years.

Once the city and its consultants have processed the information gathered from these meetings, the city will meet again with residents, business owners and other stakeholders.

For more information about upcoming meetings and a chance for residents to share their thoughts and ideas about Albany, visit www.albany2030.org.

Two meetings are planned this weekend in Albany.

Jan 29: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., North Albany YMCA, 616 N. Pearl St.

Jan 30: 1-4 p.m., Hackett Middle School, 45 Delaware Ave.