This weekend on In Focus, the conversation turns to financial literacy. JoDee Kenney sits down with Troy Mayor Patrick Madden to talk about balancing a city budget, while still providing necessary services to residents. Madden said the city was able to stay below New York’s property tax cap, and said his goal is to see Troy invest wisely now in things like infrastructure improvements to reduce future expenditures. The mayor also credited a stronger economy driving sales tax revenue for keeping debt in check.

On residential and small business development, Madden said the city is looking beyond the apartments, shops and restaurants downtown. He said projects in the Lansingburgh section of the city, as well as South Troy, aim to open new opportunities, as well as reshape the Hudson Riverfront. The mayor said programs like the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP), provide assistance for new homeowners and current ones looking to make much-needed repairs. That, coupled with financial education programs, in partnership with groups like Girls, Inc., Madden said, can give families the tools to balance their own budget.

You can watch the full interview with Troy Mayor Patrick Madden in the video player above or on the Spectrum News App. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.