The City of Albany has officially launched its annual “If I Were Mayor…” Student Contest, inviting local students in grades 4 through 12 to share their creative visions for the city’s future.
The 2025-2026 contest, organized in partnership with the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA), is a chance for Albany’s young people to step into the role of a government leader and share what they would do to improve the community.
The Deadline is Fast Approaching
Students must submit their entries—whether it’s a poster, essay, or video—by the local deadline: March 2, 2026, at noon.
Three Ways to Participate
The contest is broken down into three categories based on grade level, allowing students to use different creative mediums to express their ideas:
- Grades 4th–5th: Students in this age group are asked to submit a Poster. They are encouraged to use any art medium—paint, pencils, 3D art, and more—to illustrate their vision for the city.
- Grades 6th–8th: Students in the middle grades will participate by writing an Essay. Submissions must be typed and fall between 500 and 1,000 words in length.
- Grades 9th–12th: High school students are tasked with producing a Digital Media entry. This must be a video presentation between one and three minutes in length.
Prizes and Recognition
While the primary goal is civic engagement, the contest offers both local recognition and substantial statewide prizes.
Local judging will be conducted by Mayor Alex Johnson II and other appointed city officials. Local winners will be announced in April and automatically entered into the OMA statewide competition.
State winners, judged by a panel of Oregon mayors, are eligible to win cash prizes: First Place earns $500, Second Place earns $300, and Third Place earns $100. Past Albany students have had significant success, with previous winners taking home first, second, and third-place statewide prizes in recent years.
How to Enter
The City of Albany encourages students to research the role of a mayor and what services cities typically provide before submitting their entry. All submissions must include a completed official entry form.
- View Contest Rules & Download Entry Forms: Find the full rules, research resources, and entry forms on the City of Albany’s official contest page.
- Local Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026, at noon.
