We are talking about the diverse cultures and communities across upstate New York this Hispanic Heritage Month on In Focus.

JoDee Kenney sat down with Alfredo Balarin, who is the first Latino elected to the Albany Common Council. The son of Peruvian immigrants, Balarin remained in Albany after attending college and the family made it their home. Calling it a welcoming city, Balarin said he felt the call to give back to the community and calls it a privilege to work to make Albany a better place for everyone, talking about his work to improve housing policy in the city. Balarin also talked about the growing diversity of cultures in the city, not only bringing their music and food to the Albany area, but also diverse viewpoints as the region’s opportunities expand.

You can watch the full interview with Balarin in the video player above. 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.