2025 State of the City Addresses
Mayor Todd Gloria - San Diego, CA
Mayor Randall Woodfin - Birmingham, AL
Mayor Rex Richardson - Long Beach, CA
Mayor Eric Adams - New York, NY
Mayor Jon Mitchell - New Bedford, MA
Mayor Steven Reed - Montgomery, AL
Mayor Harvey Ward - Gainesville, FL
Mayor Keith James - West Palm Beach, FL
Mayor Craig Greenberg - Louisville, KY
Mayor Kathy Sheehan - Albany, NY
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller - Newton, MA
Mayor Phillip Jones - Newport News, VA
Mayor Erin Mendenhall - Salt Lake City, UT
Mayor Paul Young - Memphis, TN
Mayor Quinton Lucas - Kansas City, MO
Mayor Steven Fulop - Jersey City, NJ
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - Miami-Dade County, FL
Mayor Ken Welch - St. Petersburg, FL
Mayor Bruce Harrell - Seattle, WA
Mayor Sharon Tucker - Fort Wayne, IN
Mayor Leonardo Williams - Durham, NC
Mayor Andre Dickens - Atlanta, GA
Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. - Little Rock, AR
Mayor Andy Schor - Lansing, MI
Mayor Cavalier Johnson - Milwaukee, WI
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz - Toledo, OH
Mayor Larry Agran - Irvine, CA
Mayor Michelle Wu - Boston, MA
Mayor Paige Cognetti - Scranton, PA
Mayor Arunan Arulampalam - Hartford, CT
Mayor Mike Duggan - Detroit, MI
Mayor Janet Cowell - Raleigh, NC
Mayor Kerry Thomson - Bloomington, IN
Mayor Ron Nirenberg - San Antonio, TX
Mayor Andrew Ginther - Columbus, OH
Mayor Justin M. Bibb - Cleveland, OH
Mayor Brandon M. Scott - Baltimore, MD
Mayor Malik Evans - Rochester, NY
Mayor Karen Bass - Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Melvin Carter - Saint Paul, MN
Mayor Jane Castor - Tampa, FL
Mayor Freddie O’Connell - Nashville, TN
Mayor Heidi Lueb - Tigard, OR
Mayor Jacob Frey - Minneapolis, MN
Mayor Eddie Melton - Gary, IN
Mayor Lauren McLean - Boise, ID
Mayor Kate Gallego - Phoenix, AZ
Mayor Matt Mahan - San Jose, CA
Mayor Stephanie Terry - Evansville, IN
Mayor Todd Gloria
San Diego, CA
In his State of the City Address, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria laid out his vision for his community and how he and his administration plan to make progress on keeping neighborhoods safe, reducing homelessness, building more housing, and fixing roads.
To address the deficit, the Mayor detailed immediate steps he has taken to cut spending – freezing hiring for all but the most essential positions and halting non-essential spending, among other mid-year adjustments. He is also evaluating the city’s office space leases to determine if it’s cost-beneficial to terminate or renegotiate leases and consolidate space. He also asked each city department to rethink its operations with a keen focus on the core service it is expected to provide to the public.
The Mayor said he will remain focused on his four core priorities – building more housing, addressing homelessness, repairing roads, and keeping San Diegans safe. Zeroing in on homelessness, he noted that since he took office as Mayor, city-funded programs have served more than 25,000 people and successfully placed nearly 4,700 into permanent housing, while the Unsafe Camping Ordinance passed in 2023 is successfully reducing encampments in heavily impacted areas without widespread arrests. Mayor Gloria vowed to continue to increase shelter opportunities in 2025.
On housing, the Mayor celebrated the success of measures he’s taken to produce more homes that San Diegans can afford – through initiatives such as Bridge to Home, his two executive orders to speed up permitting, and his two Housing Action Packages. He noted that, for the better part of the past two decades, San Diego had issued an average of 4,300 permits for new homes per year. In 2023, as his policy reforms took hold, the City permitted nearly 10,000 new homes. He announced that in 2024, the city permitted roughly another 8,500 new homes despite high interest rates and inflation creating unfavorable conditions for housing construction nationwide.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Randall Woodfin
Birmingham, AL
In his 2025 State of the City Address, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin outlined a vision of progress and resilience, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety, economic growth, neighborhood revitalization, and sustainability.
A key focus of the Mayor’s address was public safety, with a particular emphasis on addressing gun violence as a public health crisis. Mayor Woodfin reported successes in reducing crimes such as rape, assault, and auto theft but acknowledged the persistent issue of homicides. He unveiled a comprehensive strategy developed by a 21-member Crime Commission, including focused deterrence, community violence intervention, hotspot targeting, and more. To support these efforts, the city has bolstered police recruitment and invested in technologies such as the Real-Time Crime Center to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
Mayor Woodfin also reaffirmed his administration’s priority of neighborhood revitalization, reflected in the 2025 budget’s allocation of over $20 million for infrastructure improvements, blight removal, and community investment. He celebrated programs such as Birmingham Promise, which has enabled over 1,600 high school graduates to attend college and provided hundreds with internships. Other achievements included the “Ready to Own” program, which offers financial assistance to first-time homebuyers, and significant corporate investments, such as Coca-Cola United’s $330 million project in Kingston.
The Mayor highlighted how the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Birmingham and its partners, Southern Research and UAB, a $44 million grant to support their designation as a tech hub. The grant will focus on equitable AI-driven biotechnology. Mayor Woodfin also announced the creation of the Office of Resilience and Sustainability to address environmental challenges, with the office leading initiatives that target carbon emissions, food sovereignty, and long-term sustainability planning.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Rex Richardson
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson delivered his State of the City Address, “Celebrating the Roots, Rhythm, and Community of Long Beach,” with a special call to action to support Los Angeles County wildfire victims and evacuees. By the end of his remarks, Mayor Richardson announced the donation drive raised $569,000 to support wildfire relief efforts. The address also provided updates on the city’s key priorities, including housing, infrastructure projects, city services, and economic development.
Mayor Richardson highlighted significant progress in housing production, addressing the city’s challenges with affordability and homelessness. Long Beach has achieved a 25% increase in housing starts and completed over 1,000 new housing units in 2024, a record for the city. Approximately 2,500 units are currently under construction, representing $800 million in investments in progress. The city is also prioritizing support for seniors, one of the most housing-insecure populations, with plans for new subsidy programs and expanded affordable housing.
To bolster public safety, the city is expanding its police and fire academies, doubling the number of firefighter recruits, and opening a new Long Beach Police Academy Training Center. Long Beach has also streamlined its emergency response systems, launching a real-time information hub for residents and developing a call center for emergencies.
Long Beach is making substantial investments under its Elevate 28 Capital Improvement Plan. Projects include enhancements to streets, sidewalks, parks, and public spaces to ensure equitable access to quality neighborhood infrastructure. Key achievements include the completion of the Promenade in downtown Long Beach and the reopening of the iconic Breakers Hotel. Additional plans include the development of the Long Beach Bowl outdoor amphitheater and the modernization of the Long Beach Arena through private-public partnerships.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Eric Adams
New York, NY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered his State of the City Address, outlining his multi-year plan to tackle street homelessness, keep young people safe, build more housing and family-friendly neighborhoods, teach students how to save and spend money, expand access to playgrounds, and save working-class families millions of dollars.
Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, overall crime continued to fall in 2024, including a 7.3% drop in shootings, a 3.6% drop in homicides, and a 5.4% drop in transit crime. Since coming into office, the Adams administration has seized nearly 20,000 illegal guns, over 80,000 ghost cars, and illegal motorized vehicles. Additionally, the Adams administration has made upstream investments to prevent crime in the first place, launching a $485 million blueprint to keep communities safe from gun violence that invests in mentorship, mental health, and job training for young, at-risk New Yorkers.
Since launching his Subway Safety Plan in 2022, his administration has moved over 8,000 New Yorkers from the subways into shelters while, in Fiscal Year 2024, the New York City Department of Social Services helped a record 18,500 households transition from shelters into stable homes. Mayor Adams recently announced that the city will invest $650 million to bolster that work and expand support for residents living on subways, wrestling with serious mental illness, and at risk of entering city shelters. The Adams administration has also made significant gains in affordable housing records, including financing the construction and preservation of over 79,300 housing units since 2022.
In 2024, Mayor Adams expanded his signature ‘NYC Reads’ initiative to every K-5 school in the five boroughs and New York City’s early childhood education program, as well as launched both ‘NYC Solves’ to overhaul how students learn mathematics and a new Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning in New York City Public Schools. The Adams administration also opened 24 new school buildings and added over 11,000 new seats in 2024—the most new seats added by the New York City School Construction Authority since 2003.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
Mayor Jon Mitchell
New Bedford, MA
Mayor Jon Mitchell spotlighted New Bedford’s continued growth and progress in his State of the City Address, sharing updates on the port, parks and recreation, transportation, public safety, education, economic development, and housing.
The Mayor highlighted several successes over the past year, including investments in public safety that continue to make a positive difference in the quality of life for New Bedford residents. In 2024, not only did crime continue to decrease, but also the incidence of structure fires. In the last decade, violent crime has dropped by 58%.
Mayor Mitchell shared that more housing units were completed in 2024 than in any year in recent memory after the city streamlined permitting, overhauled the zoning “use table,” and eased planning board review requirements. New Bedford also progressed on several major transportation projects and completed several key Port projects.
He also made several announcements for the year, including plans to create a “road map” for expanding the city’s manufacturing sector, supported by new training programs, infrastructure improvements, and the revival of the Redevelopment Authority. On housing, Mayor Mitchell proposed ordinances to encourage housing development by reducing the minimum lot size and parking requirements while offering support to suburbs willing to expand multifamily housing.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Steven Reed
Montgomery, AL
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed gave his State of the City Address, reflecting on the past year marked by bold action, transformative progress, and a steadfast commitment to making the city more equitable, progressive, and compassionate. The Mayor shared significant economic development, public safety, education, and infrastructure progress.
Mayor Reed highlighted the city’s flagship public safety initiative, Together We Rise, which focuses on violence prevention, community engagement, and law enforcement reform. He noted how community-oriented policing initiatives, such as the Hispanic Citizens Academy, have strengthened trust between police and diverse communities. Further, while gun violence remains a concern, the Mayor is urging state lawmakers to pass common-sense gun safety measures.
The Mayor shared the city’s work toward criminal justice reform with an executive order that forgave over $880,000 in unpaid municipal fines and fees, benefiting 3,600 cases and 800 citizens, removing financial barriers to stability. Montgomery also plans to launch a Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program soon, providing direct financial assistance to families in need.
Last year, Montgomery attracted $1.1 billion in capital investment and created 600 new jobs across 11 projects. The city launched the Montgomery Regional Tech & Innovation Ecosystem Initiative, establishing Montgomery, Selma, and Tuskegee as a regional innovation hub. Additionally, West Montgomery revitalization efforts secured a $36.6 million federal grant, the largest in the city’s history, to address redlining and improve mobility and cultural preservation.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Harvey Ward
Gainesville, FL
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward delivered his State of the City Address, focusing on delivering a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community for everyone who calls the city home. Mayor Ward highlighted how the city made progress in health care, affordable housing, public safety, and economic development.
Mayor Ward shared how Gainesville had lower gun-related deaths over the past year and credited the decrease to the collaborative efforts between Alachua County, the county commission, Santa Fe College, the University of Florida, and other community organizations. He specifically credited the formation of the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance, which works to find ways to decrease gun-related crime and neighborhood violence.
The Mayor noted the city’s contributions toward climate action. Last year, Gainesville secured $28 million in federal and state funding and designated a majority of the funds for the acquisition of 19 hybrid, electric RTS buses and the installation of a solar charging facility in the employee parking lot.
Mayor Ward shared that the number of affordable housing units in east Gainesville increased by building new homes on vacant lots previously owned by the city. Additionally, the city’s outreach program for homeless neighbors, the Community Resource Paramedicine Program, is staffed at the highest level it’s ever been, with a program coordinator, four emergency medical technicians, and two paramedics.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Keith James
West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James delivered his State of the City Address, noting the city's strength and resiliency during a conversation on “Transformation Through Togetherness and Elevation Through Collaboration.” During his remarks, the Mayor shared updates on the economy, infrastructure, public safety, tourism, homelessness, workforce development, parks and recreation, education, healthcare, arts, and more.
Mayor James shared that the city has nearly tripled its goal of affordable and workforce housing units. He has raised the bar to 1,400 new units by the end of his tenure in 2027, leveraging philanthropic relationships. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team engaged with over 2,700 unhoused residents, connecting hundreds with new housing and mental health services.
The Mayor has an unwavering commitment to public safety, and overall, crime and violent crimes continue to trend downward by double digits. These trends result from investments in public safety professionals and engagement with residents in their neighborhoods.
West Palm Beach has completed over $30 million of infrastructure investments. Additionally, the city has made advances, particularly in its economy, which offers opportunities for entrepreneurial skill development through resources such as the Mayor’s Jump Start Academy. The Related Together Initiative also launched guaranteed tuition-free post-secondary degrees for high school graduates.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Craig Greenberg
Louisville, KY
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s State of the City Address focused on his key priorities for 2025 and accomplishments made in the past two years of his administration. The Mayor’s major focus areas include improving public safety, building more affordable housing, and growing downtown.
Mayor Greenberg cited new crime statistics showing that shootings in Louisville are down 40% over the last four years. He also highlighted LMPD Chief Humphrey’s recently announced crime plan based on data and proven strategies to reduce violent crime further. The Mayor noted Louisville’s new job creation numbers, with more jobs added in 2024 than in any of the previous seven years.
The Mayor addressed the need for more affordable housing in neighborhoods across the city, explaining that increasing Louisville’s housing supply will boost the city’s workforce and economy. He also spoke about his administration’s unprecedented commitment to homelessness prevention, including a $21 million investment in Louisville’s first Community Care Campus, which will open in multiple phases over the next three years.
Mayor Greenberg also made significant announcements about the Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) and Thrive By Five Louisville, two newly formed independent nonprofits. LEDA will announce a new CEO in the coming weeks, and Thrive By Five, which will create free early learning opportunities for every three—and four-year-old in the city, will also name a new Executive Director this spring. The Mayor helped launch Thrive By Five last year as part of a commitment to boost early learning opportunities for future generations of Louisville families.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan
Albany, NY
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan delivered her final State of the City Address, reflecting on 12 years of transformation defined by resilience, innovation, and community engagement. Mayor Sheehan’s leadership has been rooted in her deep love for Albany, a love that empowered her and the city’s workforce to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow and thrive.
Under Mayor Sheehan’s leadership, crime has fallen by 21% since 2013. She was pivotal in attracting the state’s largest Crime Analysis Center to the Albany Police Department Headquarters. The Mayor also reinforced the city’s commitment to community policing through initiatives such as crisis case workers, the LEAD program, the Community Liaison Program, and efforts led by the Neighborhood Engagement Unit.
Recognizing the importance of quality, affordable housing, Mayor Sheehan facilitated the development of $620 million in new market-rate housing, resulting in 2,773 new units since 2014. During the same period, $527 million was invested in subsidized housing, creating 2,330 new units. To further support homeowners, the city issued $14 million in rehabilitation grants to 617 homeowners and provided $1.7 million in grants to assist new homeowners in purchasing their homes.
Mayor Sheehan also prioritized access to world-class amenities and an improved quality of life. Since 2014, the city has invested $16.6 million in parks and recreation equipment, including the construction of the new Lincoln Park Pool, the Albany West Community Center, and the Albany South Recreation Center. The Mayor also secured more than $1 billion in public and private citywide investment since 2014 and helped push Albany’s population above 100,000 for the first time in decades. The city’s tax base has grown by 75%, while the taxation rate has been reduced by 36%.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
Newton, MA
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller delivered her final State of the City Address, reflecting on years of progress shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to the community. Throughout her tenure, Mayor Fuller has led with a vision of a stronger, more inclusive Newton, ensuring investments in education, infrastructure, housing, and sustainability that will benefit residents for future generations.
Under Mayor Fuller’s leadership, Newton has made substantial strides in education. The city has completed expansions at Oak Hill, with similar projects underway at Horace Mann, and has embarked on constructing three new elementary schools—Lincoln-Eliot, Countryside, and Franklin. Additionally, Newton opened its first dedicated facility for preschoolers.
Infrastructure improvements have also been a cornerstone of Mayor Fuller’s administration. Over the past two years, Newton has repaved 125 roads, modernized zoning regulations to promote housing near public transit, and expanded sustainability initiatives. The city continues to advance its Climate Action Plan with efforts such as Newton Power Choice, solar panel installations, and increased EV adoption.
Recognizing the need for more affordable housing, Mayor Fuller oversaw the creation of Newton’s first Affordable Housing Trust, which recently funded 112 units on North Street. The West Newton Armory is set to be transformed into affordable family housing, and a partnership with the state and FamilyAid will soon bring a family shelter offering vital services to mothers and children.
Read the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Phillip Jones
Newport News, VA
In his State of the City Address, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones outlined the city’s progress and vision for the future. He highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, economic growth, and public safety and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in shaping Newport News’ path forward.
Under Mayor Jones’ leadership, gun violence in Newport News has decreased by 25%, with homicides dropping by 52%. This success is attributed to strategic initiatives such as Operation Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire, which have strengthened law enforcement efforts, led to the recovery of over 1,000 illegal firearms, and improved collaboration with state and federal agencies. Looking ahead, the Mayor aims to expand the city’s police force, making Newport News the best-staffed city in Virginia while continuing to advocate for competitive pay for public defenders.
Investing in youth remains a top priority of Mayor Jones’ administration. Initiatives such as Friday Night Nets, a free summer basketball league for at-risk youth, and the Youth Career Program (YCP) have provided young people with safe spaces, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. To further support youth development, the city is reintroducing its summer jobs program, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
Newport News is reimagining its downtown corridor with mixed-use developments, modern infrastructure, and dynamic public spaces by partnering with state and federal agencies. The Mayor is committed to making Newport News the most business-friendly city in the region by streamlining the permitting process and eliminating unnecessary red tape that has hindered small business growth in the past.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall delivered her sixth State of the City Address, highlighting major strides in public safety, housing affordability, and sustainability while remaining purpose-driven to serve residents at the closest level.
The administration continues its focus on affordable housing, with commitments to expediting 200 more homes at The Other Side Village and seeking an additional $5 million in funding toward deeply affordable housing in FY2026. The Mayor also introduced a new Affordable Housing Construction and Preservation Dashboard to transparently provide updates on the city’s progress in closing the housing gap. Since 2020, Salt Lake City has funded or completed over 6,500 affordable housing units. The city’s Tenant Resource Center and Relocation Assistance Fund for Tenants (RAFT) was also launched to help residents with housing issues.
Mayor Mendenhall launched Clean Air SLC, an initiative to distribute equipment and information to help residents improve air quality in their communities and homes. She noted that the landscaping equipment exchange program removed more than 6,000 pounds of pollution by replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives. Additionally, the Mayor highlighted the completion of Elektron solar, a solar farm spread across 550 acres that has already powered 80% of the city’s municipal electricity.
The administration’s vision to reimagine the city’s wide downtown streets is also moving forward, with a complete design for the Civic Campus portion of the Green Loop expected in 2025. The Mayor plans to request $3 million in the FY26 budget toward constructing the Civic Campus that would connect Library Square to Washington Square Park. Those funds would then be leveraged with private-sector support as part of a capital campaign.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
Mayor Paul Young
Memphis, TN
Memphis Mayor Paul Young delivered his first State of the City Address, emphasizing a new era of progress and unity under the theme of “The Era of Yes.” His address highlighted key achievements in crime reduction, economic growth, blight removal, and infrastructure improvements.
Under Mayor Young’s leadership, crime in Memphis decreased in 2024, surpassing the city’s goal with a 13% reduction. Overall, violent crime dropped by 19%, murders decreased by 29%, and motor vehicle thefts were down 39%. In collaboration with Shelby County, the city launched the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, which distributed over $1 million in grants to 44 nonprofits focused on addressing the root causes of violence. The Memphis Police Department also introduced a pilot program to address fugitives, leading to the arrest of 838 fugitives and the clearing of over 1,000 warrants.
Addressing neighborhood revitalization, the Mayor shared that in 2024, the city repaired 82,000 potholes—up from 54,000 in the previous year—while collecting 205,000 tons of trash and recycling. The city also established a $1 million grant fund for small businesses to support blight removal efforts. The newly created Strike Team and Blight Zero initiatives directly impacted 25 ZIP codes, working to eliminate neglected properties and improve Memphis neighborhoods.
In 2024, Memphis welcomed 116 new small businesses and continues to support business growth by implementing a fast-track permitting process designed to approve major development projects within 30 days. The city launched the Office of Creative and Cultural Economy to support creative industries, ensuring Memphis capitalizes on its rich creative efforts in the community. Additionally, Memphis is undergoing a wave of investment with significant projects, including revitalizing historic properties such as the Sterick Building and the 100 North Main redevelopment.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Quinton Lucas
Kansas City, MO
In his State of the City Address, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas highlighted the city’s progress and outlined his administration’s priorities for the coming year. He emphasized key investments in public safety, infrastructure, housing, and sustainability while reaffirming the city’s strong fiscal position.
Public safety remains a top priority, with over 73% of the city’s proposed $2.5 billion budget dedicated to police, fire, and emergency response services. Mayor Lucas noted this investment will support officer recruitment and retention, enhance firefighter resources, and increase salaries for 911 call takers and dispatchers to improve emergency response.
Addressing housing and homelessness, the mayor proposed nearly $3 million in funding to expand emergency shelter access and support initiatives such as ZeroKC, which aims to reduce homelessness in the city. Plans include hiring an encampment coordinator and additional outreach staff to better serve unhoused residents. Kansas City’s acquisition of Parade Park will also deliver over 1,000 new homes, including affordable senior housing and homeownership opportunities for residents of all income levels.
Under Mayor Lucas’ leadership, Kansas City has made significant infrastructure improvements, including resurfacing over 1,500 lane miles of roads in the past three years. He noted the city secured a $5 million federal grant to fund safety and mobility enhancements along U.S. 71 Highway, advancing the city’s commitment to safer and more efficient transportation. The city is also expanding public transit and has secured funding for the 3.5-mile extension of the KC Streetcar.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
Mayor Steven Fulop
Jersey City, NJ
In his final State of the City Address, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop reflected on the city’s historic transformation over the past 12 years and laid out a bold vision for its future. He highlighted key achievements in public safety, affordable housing, economic development, and transportation.
Under Mayor Fulop’s leadership, Jersey City has seen a 75% reduction in homicides, marking the lowest levels in the city’s history. Overall, crime rates continue to decline as a result of investments made in advanced de-escalation training and expanded police and fire resources.
Jersey City has expanded connectivity for all residents with Via and over 23 miles of protected bike lanes, among other reliable and affordable transit options created to close gaps. The city’s Vision Zero Action Plan has also reduced traffic deaths and injuries.
Affordable housing remains a top priority, with over 2,900 applications processed in just six months through the Consolidated Affordable Housing Portal, making it easier for residents to access housing opportunities. The Bayfront Redevelopment will provide the largest share of affordable housing in any similar mixed-use project nationwide.
Revitalization efforts continue to reshape Jersey City’s landscape, with transformative projects in Journal Square and beyond aimed at restoring the city’s role as an economic hub. Investments in parks and recreation have also expanded, with new parks constructed alongside dozens of park improvement projects, providing residents with more green spaces and outdoor amenities.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade County, FL
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered her fifth State of the County Address centered on “Taking Care of Business.” During her remarks, she highlighted key achievements from her first term and outlined a vision for the county’s future. Her priorities are affordability, transit, infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability.
Mayor Levine Cava emphasized the county’s significant investments in housing affordability, doubling funding from $128 million in early 2021 to $242 million in 2024. With nearly 17,000 affordable workforce units in development, she highlighted solutions such as using public land for housing, including Jackson Health System’s plan to construct an 800-unit workforce housing tower. Additionally, she touted the condominium special assessment loan program, which has provided zero-interest loans to over 1,000 families for building repairs.
The mayor detailed significant infrastructure investments, particularly at Miami International Airport. She shared the $9 billion “Future Ready” modernization plan, which includes upgrading boarding bridges, escalators, elevators, and other capital improvements. Mayor Levine Cava also emphasized Miami-Dade’s commitment to combating climate change through tree-planting efforts, stormwater management improvements, and investments in clean energy, including adding 250 electric vehicles and three large-scale solar energy systems.
A significant announcement in her remarks was the unveiling of WISE305, a bold new agenda to continue driving efficiency, streamlining operations, and ensuring the highest return on taxpayer dollars. WISE305 is a series of policy actions and approaches her administration will follow with fiscal stewardship based on four core pillars, including workplace initiatives, investments in technology, savings for businesses and residents, and efficiency review.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Ken Welch
St. Petersburg, FL
In his State of the City Address, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch celebrated achievements from 2024 and highlighted strength, unity, and resiliency for the upcoming year. He underscored key achievements in affordable housing, economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure, and community resilience.
Under Mayor Welch’s leadership, St. Petersburg made significant strides in housing affordability and economic support. In 2024, the city helped develop 281 new affordable housing units and provided critical repairs to 193 homeowners. Initiatives such as the Down Payment Assistance Program and the Renter Utility Relief Program eased financial burdens for residents, benefiting first-time homebuyers and thousands of renters. Small businesses also thrived, with $1.5 million in funding supporting nearly 200 companies implementing their newly developed business plans.
Economic growth remained strong, with $1.4 billion in new construction and the relocation of Foot Locker’s Global Headquarters, bringing over 150 high-paying jobs to the city. The city also invested in community and cultural initiatives, including $3.23 million in arts funding to offset state budget cuts. Meanwhile, the St. Pete Agile Resilience Plan set an accelerated approach for infrastructure improvements, aiming to advance $750 million in investments over the next five years to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
In the future, the city will advance new workforce housing projects in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and break ground on developments at the former Ceridian and Raytheon sites, each adding 100 affordable housing units. The city will expand support for small businesses through the Office of Supplier Diversity and launch a new Technical Assistance Program. Additionally, sustainability remains a top priority, with the upcoming opening of a net-zero energy Sanitation complex.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Bruce Harrell
Seattle, WA
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered his State of the City Address, sharing his One Seattle vision for the year ahead and detailing his administration's actions to drive progress in the community over the past three years. The Mayor is focused on public safety, housing, economic development, infrastructure, tourism, and more.
Public safety remained a top focus, with notable success in police recruitment. Seattle hired more officers than it lost for the first time in five years, with over 4,300 applications to join the police force. Mayor Harrell highlighted an over 50% reduction in priority 1 calls and a 14% decrease in violent crime downtown since the launch of the Downtown Activation Team. Expanding the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department has strengthened crisis response efforts, providing behavioral health support to over 1,400 individuals.
On homelessness and housing, the administration has seen a dramatic reduction in unsheltered encampments, with a 58% decrease in tents and a 35% drop in RV encampments compared to 2023. In 2024, 1,800 individuals accepted shelter referrals, helping move people indoors and connect them with supportive services. Mayor Harrell underscored record housing investments, with 5,161 new affordable housing units built over three years.
Mayor Harrell announced a forthcoming executive order to update Seattle’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on emissions reduction, green economy growth, and climate resilience. He also reaffirmed his commitment to education, with the Seattle Preschool Program now serving 2,500 children in 98 classrooms citywide. Additionally, he will propose a renewal of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy to expand childcare, youth violence prevention, and mental health support.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Sharon Tucker
Fort Wayne, IN
In her first State of the City Address, Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker highlighted the city’s progress and outlined her administration’s priorities under the theme “Forging New Footprints Together.” She emphasized key initiatives in public safety, neighborhood investment, housing, economic development, and quality-of-life improvements.
Mayor Tucker announced that the Fort Wayne Police Department will have staffing for 510 officers and will create a dedicated downtown patrol district. A new citizens academy will be implemented to help strengthen community engagement with law enforcement. The Fort Wayne Fire Department will reach a record staffing level of over 370 firefighters, break ground on a new Fire Station 5 in Waynedale, and expand fire education programs. The city will also continue its partnership with the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority to ensure high-quality emergency medical services.
Investments in neighborhood infrastructure will total nearly $42 million in 2025, supporting improvements to streets, sidewalks, alleys, curbs, bridges, and trails. Since 2014, Fort Wayne has dedicated over $346 million to enhancing neighborhoods citywide. In addition, City Utilities is advancing sustainability efforts through projects such as the Microgrid and Deep Rock Tunnel, ensuring responsible environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
The city’s commitment to economic development remains strong, with 15 projects in 2024 generating 813 new jobs, retaining nearly 2,800 jobs, and attracting over $2.5 billion in private investment. Major downtown revitalization projects in 2025 include the Treeline District, a former Pepsi warehouse site redevelopment featuring new park spaces, apartments, retail, and a public parking garage. Other projects, such as The Eddy and The Landing Exchange, will further expand housing and commercial opportunities with a focus on affordability.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here
Mayor Leonardo Williams
Durham, NC
In his State of the City Address, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams celebrated the city’s resilience and outlined his administration’s vision for the future, emphasizing safety, economic opportunity, housing, and education.
Mayor Williams highlighted Durham’s progress in public safety through the HEART program, which has served over 25,000 residents in crisis and has been recognized as a national model. The mayor acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in protecting the city’s youth. To address this, he launched the Bull City Future Fund, a public-private initiative to raise $1 million to support youth-serving organizations. This fund is already halfway to its goal and actively invests in programs providing mentorship and resources to at-risk youth.
The mayor emphasized efforts to restore and invest in historically marginalized areas, particularly through the Fayetteville Street Corridor redevelopment project. The city has committed $10 million to partnerships with community organizations to enhance this historic district’s safety, cleanliness, and business opportunities. Additionally, the city is reimagining “paper streets”, unused plots of land designated for development, to create more sustainable and equitable urban spaces.
Housing affordability remains a top priority for Mayor Williams. Through the Forever Home Durham initiative, the city has added over 1,000 new rental units, provided permanent housing for previously unhoused residents, and ensured housing stability for thousands more. His administration is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to address housing insecurity and expand economic opportunities for residents. To complement these efforts, Mayor Williams launched the Personal Finance Playbook, a program designed to provide financial literacy and wealth-building resources, particularly for historically marginalized communities. This initiative has already reached over 1,000 residents and continues to expand its outreach.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Andre Dickens
Atlanta, GA
In his State of the City Address, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted the city’s progress and outlined his Administration’s priorities for the coming year. He emphasized key investments in public safety, economic development, infrastructure, housing, and youth engagement.
Public safety remains a top priority, with the mayor reporting a 26% decrease in homicides since 2022. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement partnerships, community engagement, and youth intervention programs in ensuring sustained progress. A key initiative in this effort is the newly opened Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which aims to enhance officer training, emergency response preparedness, and overall public safety operations.
A central focus of Mayor Dickens' Administration has been investing in Atlanta’s youth to ensure they have access to opportunities that keep them engaged and on a path to success. He highlighted the success of the Summer Youth Employment Program, which has provided thousands of young people with paid internships and job training opportunities. The city has also invested in after-school programs and recreational facilities, ensuring children have safe spaces to learn and grow.
Mayor Dickens has made historic investments in housing to address affordability and homelessness, with a goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units, and the city is well on track to exceed that goal. Through the city’s housing first strategy, it has provided more homes to homeless individuals than at any time in its history. Atlanta has opened rapid housing developments such as the Melody, Bonaventure, and the Ralph David House. Later this year, they will also open a new modular 100-unit development called the Waterworks.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here
Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
Little Rock, AR
In his State of the City Address, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. outlined his vision for Little Rock, focusing on "getting back to the basics." His key priorities include neighborhood revitalization, economic growth, public safety, infrastructure improvements, housing, financial empowerment, and streamlining city services.
Mayor Scott reaffirmed the city's commitment to safety through a multi-pronged approach to crime prevention, including expanding community violence intervention programs and restructuring intervention street teams to focus on high-crime areas. He also addressed police staffing, highlighting the city's efforts to fill all vacancies within the Little Rock Police Department. To further improve safety, the city will continue to use technology such as the Real-Time Crime Center, which leverages public and private security cameras to aid in crime investigations.
The Mayor declared housing a public health crisis in Little Rock. He emphasized that stable and affordable housing is essential for overall community well-being and announced several initiatives to address this issue. The city aims to add 200 affordable housing units within the next two years. In Ward 6, a new subdivision called Zion Square will feature 14 single-family homes. Additionally, a micro-home village for the homeless, is set for completion this year, along with a 75-bed transitional housing facility for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Scott highlighted the role of technology in modernizing city services. He introduced Roxie, an AI-powered chatbot set to launch this month, which will help residents navigate the city's website and find answers to common questions. The Mayor also announced the pilot program SmartWaste, which will use GPS tracking to improve trash collection efficiency and prevent service delays.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Andy Schor
Lansing, MI
In his State of the City Address, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor underscored the city’s continued progress and laid out his administration’s priorities for the coming year. He highlighted progress in affordable housing, economic and workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, infrastructure, education, and public safety.
One of the Mayor’s top priorities is housing, with a substantial investment of $4.7 million planned for 2025. The city is adding over 100 affordable housing units for low-income families through the Lansing Housing Commission. The New Vision Lansing project will also introduce five mixed-income and mixed-use buildings, providing 570 new apartments. Mayor Schor announced a new housing rehabilitation initiative in partnership with Capital Area Community Services, offering grants of up to $40,000 for low-income homeowners to make critical repairs, ensuring safe and sustainable living conditions.
In 2024, Lansing's economic development team approved new development projects totaling nearly $463 million in investments, creating 139 jobs and 579 housing units. Mayor Schor highlighted Neogen’s $208 million expansion in downtown Lansing as another transformational investment. Furthermore, the city’s facade improvement grants have enhanced small businesses citywide, distributing more than $150,000 in matching grants to revitalize storefronts and improve curb appeal. Over the past seven years, Lansing has seen 62 new development projects totaling over $4.3 billion in investments.
Mayor Schor noted progress with public safety efforts, sharing that crime rates have declined over the past year. Reports of gunshots dropped by 32%, robberies decreased by 27%, and burglaries fell by 16%. The city’s Violent Crime Initiative is actively removing illegal firearms from the streets and ensuring that violent offenders face justice. Additionally, the Advance Peace Initiative, which deploys violence interrupters to prevent retaliation and conflict, has expanded beyond southwest Lansing into other neighborhoods and schools. The Mayor also emphasized the importance of intervention and prevention programs, such as the youth worker initiative, which provides employment opportunities for young people to keep them engaged and out of harm’s way.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered his State of the City Address, centered on a “Stronger Milwaukee.” He highlighted the community’s progress and his administration’s ongoing efforts with public safety, education, housing, economic development, and infrastructure.
Mayor Johnson reported a significant decrease in crime rates, noting that violent and property crimes have declined over the past three years. Specifically, in 2024, homicides and non-fatal shootings dropped by more than 20% compared to the previous year. He attributed these improvements to community-based policing strategies, youth engagement programs, and strengthened partnerships between law enforcement and local organizations. Milwaukee’s streets are also safer due to the efforts with the city’s comprehensive Vision Zero plan, which has implemented traffic calming measures that have led to a decline in dangerous driving incidents.
Addressing educational concerns, the Mayor emphasized the need for stronger student outcomes across all public, private, and charter schools. He stressed the importance of producing graduates proficient in reading, problem-solving, and leadership. Mayor Johnson noted they must address systemic inequities in education for the city’s long-term success and called for greater collaboration between city leaders, school officials, and the community as a whole to ensure that students receive a high-quality education.
The Mayor acknowledged the pressing issue of affordable housing and proposed measures such as revising zoning codes to allow more housing options and expanding city incentive programs to support middle-market housing. He emphasized that increasing housing choices could alleviate pressure on housing costs, benefiting renters, homeowners, and those currently lacking viable housing options.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz
Toledo, OH
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz delivered his State of the City Address focused on Toledo’s progress, his vision for the city in 2040, and the steps needed to achieve it. He highlighted significant reductions in crime, economic development successes, critical infrastructure investments, and the need for increased housing development to expand the city’s population.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz emphasized the city’s continued progress in reducing crime across multiple key categories, including violent and property crime. Homicide rates in Toledo have declined for three straight years, falling 30% in 2023 and an additional 18% in 2024. He credits this progress to an increased police presence while also noting that the work of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement also plays a vital role in making the community safer. The Mayor also cited $7.2 million of investment in youth programming as yet another contributing factor to declining crime. Over the last three years, 300 programs have provided nearly 200,000 children a positive outlet for growth, education, and entertainment.
The Mayor pointed to major projects driving the city’s economic growth, including the revitalization of the riverfront and the home to transformative developments such as Glass City Metropark. Since the park’s completion, homeownership in the adjacent Garfield neighborhood has doubled, demonstrating the impact of strategic public investment. The city’s Vibrancy Initiative has successfully leveraged $21.6 million in private-sector funding, showing a strong return on public investment. This initiative has supported 18 projects, activating 132,000 square feet of previously vacant commercial property and strengthening Toledo’s neighborhood commercial corridors.
While celebrating Toledo’s progress, the Mayor acknowledged the city’s biggest challenge: population decline. He emphasized that growing Toledo’s population is key to strengthening the city’s financial stability and improving quality of life. The city has identified a need for at least 10,000 new housing units to meet current demand. Downtown Toledo remains the city’s fastest-growing neighborhood, having added more than 1,000 residents over the past two decades, even as the overall city population has declined.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Larry Agran
Irvine, CA
Mayor Larry Agran delivered his State of the City Address reflecting on Irvine’s legacy and his vision to make the community the safest, smartest, greenest, healthiest, and kindest city in America.
Mayor Agran highlighted the city’s strong financial health, balanced budget, and significant reserves that will allow for public investments. Public safety remains a top priority, with enhanced traffic enforcement, stronger e-bike regulations, enhanced school security, and improved disaster preparedness. He also spoke about the transition of county-run libraries to the city this summer and announced plans for two new libraries.
Mayor Agran highlighted the implementation of Irvine’s Living Wage, which will increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour for part-time and $25 per hour for full-time city employees. He also proposed $100,000 in funding for 50 city scholarships to support education, offering up to $2,000 each for Irvine Valley College students.
Irvine continues its commitment to sustainability with the continued transformation of the former All American Asphalt plant into the Gateway Preserve, the planting of 20,000 trees in the Great Park, the expansion of rooftop solar and battery storage, and improvements to public transit through the Irvine Connect expansion.
A major partnership with Hoag will bring a Center for Nonprofit Organizations dedicated to Health and Wellness to Heritage Community Park, modeled after the Melinda Hoag Smith Center in Newport Beach. Mayor Agran also proposed a Food and Nutrition Security Plan, expanding farmland and partnerships with organizations such as Harvest Solutions and Second Harvest Food Bank to help make Irvine and Orange County food secure. In addition, he announced efforts to increase affordable housing in Irvine.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Michelle Wu
Boston, MA
Mayor Michelle Wu delivered her State of the City Address, emphasizing Boston’s resilience, progress, and her administration’s commitment to making the city more affordable and inclusive for all residents. Her priorities include infrastructure, public safety, health care, small businesses, housing, sustainability, education, and the arts.
Mayor Wu highlighted that since she took office, Boston has helped more than 850 residents buy their first homes and built more than 11,000 new units. She shared plans to release the city’s first-ever Anti-Displacement Action Plan to help stabilize families and deepen their roots. Further, plans to launch Boston’s Co-Purchasing Pilot Program to help households combine their purchasing power to buy multi-family homes with 0% interest deferred loans from the city.
Mayor Wu emphasized the city’s educational strides, noting that the city's public schools were on track and building momentum. This includes rising enrollment numbers, higher graduation rates, and lower chronic absenteeism rates. She highlighted various partnerships that invest in young people and help them succeed in future career pathways. Mayor Wu noted the success of the Boston Family Days Program in expanding students' reach to the arts and announced that the city would launch BCYF Creates, an investment in free arts programming that will more than double arts instruction across the city’s community centers.
In her remarks, she noted that since taking office, the city has hit record lows in gun violence and has recruited the largest and most diverse class of new officers at the Academy. To continue driving business growth, Mayor Wu announced the city will launch a Business Recruitment Office to fill vacancies, retain and attract talent, and revitalize Boston's downtown. She also emphasized the city’s efforts over the past four years in supporting diverse businesses, including awarding over $150 million in city contracts to businesses owned by people of color.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Paige Cognetti
Scranton, PA
Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti delivered her State of the City Address, focused on her administration’s progress, including an ongoing commitment to public safety, upgrading infrastructure, improving government transparency and fairness, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Mayor Cognetti provided an overview of Scranton’s major initiatives and achievements since 2020, beginning with its financial status. The city shed its label as a financially distressed municipality in 2022 and increased its credit rating through Standard & Poor’s three levels in 2023 and 2024 to its current BBB+ rating. The improved credit rating created $2.2 million in savings through bond refinancing, further stabilizing Scranton’s finances.
Planning and preparation have allowed the Mayor's administration to proactively fund safety equipment, vehicle fleet upgrades, and training and technology for the city’s public safety entities – the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments. In December 2024, the city received its new $1.4 million ladder truck for Engine 4 on North Main Avenue, and total investments of $1.3 million in 2024 and 2025 have added 46 new vehicles to the Police Department’s fleet since 2023.
At the neighborhood level, city crews, including an expanded Department of Public Works traffic division, have helped replace nearly 4,500 street signs in an ongoing project. Crews have also repainted more than 200 priority crosswalks near school zones and other critical areas, and hundreds more will be repainted in 2025. Along with neighborhood infrastructure, the city has organized dozens of clean-up efforts through Sprucin’ Up Scranton, regularly brought city services to parks and neighborhoods via City Hall Pop-Up events, demolished more than 70 hazardous structures, and invested more than $26 million into city pools and parks.
Mayor Cognetti closed by outlining ongoing efforts to combat a growing housing crisis and celebrating investment into the city by private businesses, higher education, and more. Scranton also had an estimated $5.8 billion in construction projects in 2024 alone.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Arunan Arulampalam
Hartford, CT
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam delivered his State of the City Address, highlighting Hartford’s resilience, progress, and his administration’s commitment to building safer, stronger communities while enhancing affordability and expanding opportunities for young people. His priorities include public safety, infrastructure, housing, and education.
Mayor Arulampalam noted Hartford’s progress in public safety, emphasizing the introduction of officer walkbeats to strengthen trust between police and residents. He highlighted the work of the Office of Violence Prevention, which has helped drive shootings to their lowest level in two decades. The city has also invested in new technology to address public safety concerns, including illegal ATV activity.
On housing, Mayor Arulampalam shared plans to make homeownership more accessible, including a $6.5 million investment to help city employees, such as teachers and first responders, buy homes. The city’s new program will provide forgivable loans of up to $40,000 for down payments, making it easier for residents to put down roots in Hartford. Additionally, the city is cracking down on negligent landlords and working to expand access to affordable renters’ insurance.
Mayor Arulampalam also emphasized Hartford’s commitment to education, announcing new Board of Education appointees and the launch of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Education. He highlighted a new agreement to raise teachers' salaries by 15% over three years and investments in early childhood education. The city is also expanding opportunities for youth through increased recreational programming, including night gyms to provide safe spaces for young people.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Mike Duggan
Detroit, MI
Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his final State of the City Address, reflecting on Detroit’s remarkable transformation and the road ahead. Mayor Duggan’s priorities include reducing crime, revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing, strengthening the local economy, and improving public transportation.
Mayor Duggan underscored Detroit's progress in public safety, highlighting that in 2024 the city recorded its lowest homicide count since 1965. Since 2023, homicides have dropped by 38%, shootings by 53%, and carjackings by 56%. The Mayor attributed this success to the expansion of law enforcement and community-based violence intervention initiatives. Under his leadership, Detroit hired 350 additional police officers and strengthened partnerships between the police and local organizations to foster safer neighborhoods.
The Mayor also focused on Detroit’s economic revival and infrastructure development. He celebrated the opening of the Hudson’s Detroit development, a $1.4 billion mixed-use project that now houses Michigan’s second-tallest building. The site will become the new headquarters for General Motors, along with a five-star hotel, condominiums, retail spaces, and event venues. Mayor Duggan also shared plans to modernize the Renaissance Center and improve public transit by allocating $20 million in new funding to enhance bus services and staffing.
On housing and community investment, Mayor Duggan highlighted his administration’s efforts to eliminate blight and expand affordable housing. Since taking office, the Duggan administration has demolished 29,000 vacant houses, and by the end of 2025, the Land Bank will be down to 1,000 vacant houses. To support residents, Detroit has invested $1 billion in affordable housing initiatives, ensuring more Detroiters can benefit from revitalization efforts. Mayor Duggan also highlighted a $700 million increase in home wealth across the city.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Janet Cowell
Raleigh, NC
Mayor Janet Cowell delivered her first State of the City Address, highlighting Raleigh’s momentum, resilience, and her administration’s focus on building a more inclusive and livable city for all. Her priorities include housing, public safety, transportation, and quality of life.
The Mayor noted that since taking office, the City Council has approved developments totaling over 3,000 new housing units, including five projects with affordable housing components. To support residents experiencing homelessness, the city’s “Bring Our Neighbors Home” program is giving funds to former homeless individuals living in encampments for two years to help them get on their feet and find stable housing. So far, the program has housed 47 families, and Raleigh has allocated an additional $800,000 dedicated to prevention and stabilization efforts.
Mayor Cowell emphasized the city’s progress on public safety, including stable violent crime rates and an 18% drop in property crime. She welcomed Raleigh’s new police chief, Rico Boyce, and celebrated a recent Police Academy graduation that brought staffing levels closer to full strength. She shared that another academy is already underway and previewed upcoming budget proposals to increase pay for first responders. She also highlighted Raleigh’s growing mental health response system, including a 911 diversion program and continued investments in the ACORNS behavioral health unit.
On infrastructure and mobility, Mayor Cowell outlined key advancements in sustainable transit and federal funding, including securing $20 million to expand bus rapid transit service. The city will also distribute 80 additional e-bikes to improve equitable access to transportation. She noted the importance of regional partnerships and joint advocacy efforts with Wake County mayors to bring in additional infrastructure resources. Cowell also celebrated new parks, stormwater projects, and quality-of-life investments such as the Falls of Neuse Whitewater Park and the Smoky Hollow master plan.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Kerry Thomson
Bloomington, IN
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson’s State of the City Address celebrated a year of listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for a more equitable future. Mayor Thomson’s first year focused on assembling a dynamic leadership team and defining clear values to guide City Hall through accountability, transparency, co-creation, and joy.
On community safety, Mayor Thomson announced plans for a new police headquarters. The proposed site is supported by police staff and union members, allowing for enhanced victim services and a social service co-location. Citywide, fire stations received key renovations, and the construction on Station 3’s expansion is nearing completion.
Mayor Thomson highlighted a values-driven approach to housing and homelessness. In response to her call to action, local housing experts and service providers created a collaborative Housing Action Plan focused on prevention, outreach, supportive services, and regional coordination. Bloomington supported 137 new affordable homes, preserved 83 rental units, and helped more than 150 households stabilize their housing.
Mayor Thomson pointed to strong momentum in economic development, including the opening of The Forge in the Trades District and the launch of the Kiln building and new commercial spaces. A $16 million Lilly Endowment grant, shared with Indiana University and The Mill, will strengthen downtown ties, spark new development, and expand public art.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg
San Antonio, TX
Mayor Ron Nirenberg delivered his final State of the City Address, reflecting on San Antonio’s growth and resilience during his time in office. He shared key progress in housing, jobs, public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
Housing affordability was a top priority, and under Mayor Nirenberg’s leadership, San Antonio made significant progress. The city has preserved or produced more than 4,000 affordable homes, with an additional 5,000 in the pipeline, thanks to a historic housing bond approved by voters. Mayor Nirenberg highlighted San Antonio’s model for tackling housing affordability through a comprehensive Strategic Housing Implementation Plan that addresses supply at every income level. He also underscored the importance of raising wages to match housing costs, noting that affordability isn’t just about prices, it’s about economic mobility.
He also highlighted San Antonio’s leadership in workforce development through Ready to Work, the largest local investment of its kind in the nation. The program has enrolled nearly 11,000 residents, with more than 2,000 already placed in higher-paying jobs. Mayor Nirenberg emphasized that the average program graduate, a woman of color raising children in a household earning under $14,000, now earns $44,000 with benefits. He noted that this kind of targeted investment in people can break generational cycles of poverty and transform the city’s economy, one family at a time.
Mayor Nirenberg highlighted CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System’s efforts to modernize and diversify utilities while staying ahead of rising demand. He shared updates on the city’s new airport terminal and the development of VIA’s advanced rapid transit system, forming the backbone of San Antonio’s future mobility. Mayor Nirenberg also reiterated his support for Project MARVEL. This downtown redevelopment effort aims to boost economic activity, retain the Spurs, and deliver long-promised investments to the city’s East Side.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Andrew Ginther
Columbus, OH
In his State of the City Address, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther highlighted the city’s progress and shared how his Administration is driving change across the community’s top priorities of housing, safety, mobility, and prosperity for all residents.
Mayor Ginther highlighted a 14% increase in residential construction permits compared to 2023, noting this expansion is expected to create more than 6,000 new units. The city’s Zone In initiative has helped expedite the rezoning and building processes, while affordable housing bonds approved in 2019 and 2022 have funded more than 4,000 new income-qualified rental units. He announced that he will place a $500 million housing bond on the November ballot to further expand the city’s housing stock and infrastructure investments without raising taxes.
The Mayor celebrated a significant drop in violent crime, including a 17% decrease in homicides and a 25% drop in felonious assaults in 2024. These reductions have continued into 2025. Through the Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy and the Clean and Safe Corridor Initiative, Columbus is blending prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts to create safer neighborhoods. Mayor Ginther also acknowledged growing concerns around domestic violence and committed to addressing the crisis through expanded partnerships and an upcoming plan from the Office of Violence Prevention.
He spotlighted the city’s Economic Mobility Accelerator Program, which provides $500 monthly stipends to residents undergoing job training, helping empower families with resources while preparing them for long-term career growth. Mayor Ginther shared about the upcoming opening of the Franklin County Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Center, a 24/7 facility that will provide walk-in and inpatient services for up to 34,000 people annually. The Mayor also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to youth, announcing efforts to make Columbus the nation’s capital for women’s sports and expanding career pipelines through education and city workforce partnerships.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Cleveland, OH
In his State of the City Address, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb reflected on progress made during his first term while outlining the road ahead and a bold vision for Cleveland’s future. His priorities include public safety, economic transformation, education, infrastructure, and tackling potential federal threats.
Public safety remains central to Mayor Bibb’s agenda, with the city seeing a 46% decline in homicides since he took office. Recruitment efforts have resulted in 134 new cadets, Cleveland’s highest number in five years, while police pay has increased by 34%. The administration has invested in new tools, such as the city’s first Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and forged strong partnerships with state and federal agencies. Cleveland now has a nearly 90% homicide solve rate.
Mayor Bibb also addressed urgent challenges facing the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, including a projected $150 million deficit over the next two years. He pointed to a mismatch between the number of school buildings and the student population, and called for long-overdue decisions to reimagine the district’s footprint. The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring high-quality education citywide and pledged to work with the community to strengthen public schools as a foundation of Cleveland’s future.
The Mayor also reaffirmed his administration’s long-term commitment to economic growth, including major investments in Cleveland’s waterfront, the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and new housing funds to expand affordability. He cited the city’s unified stance with Cuyahoga County leadership on retaining the Cleveland Browns downtown, while also preparing for possible relocation plans.
Mayor Bibb acknowledged recent federal funding cuts that threaten violence prevention programs, healthcare providers such as MetroHealth, and vital supports such as SNAP benefits. In response, he emphasized the city’s need to stay resilient and continue building local solutions that can sustain progress, despite growing uncertainty in Washington.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott gave his State of the City Address, centered on “Built Different, Building Different.” Mayor Scott emphasized Baltimore’s positive momentum over the past four years, highlighting successes in reducing homicides, rehabilitating vacant properties, and renewing support for local businesses.
Over the past three years, students across Baltimore have ranked second in the country for their reading progress. As part of a renewed commitment to keeping this progress going, Mayor Scott announced he is working alongside city schools to meet two goals, including increasing the percentage of students who are reading and writing on grade level by more than 10 percent by 2027 and more than double the percentage of students on grade level for math in that time.
To date, Baltimore has recovered nearly $700 million in settlements and legal victories tied to the opioid crisis. Through a comprehensive strategic plan led by the city’s new Office of Overdose Response and supported by the Restitution Advisory Board, this money is being invested directly back into communities. Mayor Scott also announced a complete overhaul of the 311 system, which began with the launch of the 311 Reimagined Project in October 2024. His goal is to improve communication and accessibility to make 311 work better for all Baltimore residents.
Mayor Scott announced the launch of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment- MOACE- a unified office that will shape the future of Baltimore’s live events, cultural workforce, creative economy, nightlife, and film industry- positioning the arts as a core driver of the city’s growth and identity. He also announced that, with the leadership of Councilman Dorsey, he is proposing comprehensive changes to the city’s building and zoning codes. These reforms will overhaul outdated standards that prevent the city from expanding multifamily housing options. These reforms will make housing more abundant and affordable - while expanding options, including more 1-bedroom apartments.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Malik Evans
Rochester, NY
In his third State of the City Address, Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans highlighted progress on public safety, housing, and neighborhood revitalization, emphasizing a citywide momentum driven by community collaboration and shared purpose.
Public safety remains a top priority for Mayor Evans’ administration, and the city is experiencing significant improvements. From 2021 to 2024, shootings have dropped by 53%, shooting injuries by 51%, and fatal shootings by 49%, with a dramatic decline in fatal shootings involving youth, down from seven in 2022 to just one in 2024. These trends reflect both targeted enforcement and strengthened community relationships, particularly in neighborhoods such as Lyell-Otis, Edgerton, and Maplewood, where residents are partnering with police to foster safer streets and vibrant local spaces.
Mayor Evans also outlined the city's major strides in its commitment to equitable housing. Initiatives from the 2022 Housing Quality Task Force report have expanded housing code enforcement, streamlined compliance processes, and added a dedicated housing attorney to prosecute negligent landlords. The city’s zero-tolerance approach is prompting property owners to either meet standards or exit the market, helping reduce blight and improve living conditions.
To combat housing instability and support economic mobility, Rochester is implementing a comprehensive strategy that encompasses affordable rentals, market-rate development, and expanded pathways to homeownership. Mayor Evans noted that far too many residents are rent-burdened and emphasized the city's continued efforts to create secure, stable housing as a foundation for opportunity and prosperity.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Karen Bass
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered her State of the City Address, reflecting on the community’s resilience and her administration’s progress with the Palisades recovery, public safety, homelessness, economic development, job creation, and upcoming major events in the city.
Mayor Bass noted that homes are being rebuilt in the Palisades, with permits to rebuild issued more than twice as fast as after the Camp and Woolsey fires. Water was restored nearly a year and a half faster than after the Camp Fire, and power was restored in just two months. She cited sweeping emergency orders and shared that the fires also cost people their jobs, which is why four Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers were opened across the city to provide assistance to workers and businesses.
Mayor Bass highlighted her comprehensive approach to public safety, which encompasses law enforcement and community safety efforts, resulting in a decline in violent and property crime in Los Angeles. Last year, homicides fell 14%, gang-related homicides in communities most impacted fell 45%, and victims shot dropped 19%. The Mayor also spotlighted the first decrease in homelessness in Los Angeles in years, which bucks nationwide trends. She shared the work of the Mayor’s Fund to prevent homelessness and the efforts of LA4LA to develop new models for making housing more affordable.
Mayor Bass shared projects that will bring economic growth to Los Angeles, including the new Los Angeles Rams practice facility in the Valley, Destination Crenshaw, new contracting and construction at LAX, and ongoing efforts to renovate the Convention Center. She also emphasized a continued commitment to supporting Hollywood with an expanded California Film and TV Tax Credit. California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which was created when Mayor Bass served as Speaker of the California State Assembly, has generated tens of billions of dollars in investments while creating nearly 200,000 jobs.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Melvin Carter
Saint Paul, MN
In his State of the City Address, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter emphasized housing growth and investments in the city’s downtown infrastructure. He also highlighted significant public safety progress and announced a citywide summit to address fentanyl and the opioid crisis.
Public safety remains the Mayor’s foremost priority, with the Community-First Public Safety framework yielding significant results. As of early April, Saint Paul recorded a 73% drop in non-fatal shootings and no gun-related homicides in 2025—a testament to coordinated efforts across the police department, Office of Neighborhood Safety, and community programs. Additionally, the city purchased Minnesota’s first electric fire engine and shared plans to buy a second with a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
In 2024 alone, Saint Paul added 731 new affordable housing units, including 255 for families earning 30% of the area median income. Another 293 units are underway, with significant developments such as Mary Hall providing permanent housing for vulnerable populations. The city’s innovative housing programs, such as the 4d tax incentive program, the Inspiring Communities initiative, and the Inheritance Fund, are helping preserve affordability, promote ownership, and restore generational wealth. Looking ahead, Mayor Carter has proposed updates to rent stabilization policies and tenant protections that aim to spur new housing development while preserving vital renter safeguards.
Funded by the new “Common Cent” one-cent sales tax, Saint Paul has already delivered $11.5 million in park and recreation upgrades and committed nearly $24 million to repair 50 miles of roads. Initiatives such as The Loop, a free transportation route for youth, and a lead pipe replacement program highlight the city’s dedication to safety, accessibility, and environmental justice. On the downtown front, Mayor Carter unveiled plans to convert underused office spaces into residential units to bring 20,000 new residents to the city’s core.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Jane Castor
Tampa, FL
Mayor Jane Castor delivered her State of the City Address, celebrating a period of unprecedented progress, major infrastructure upgrades, and the continued resilience of the Tampa community.
Under Mayor Castor’s leadership, Tampa launched the PIPES program in 2019. Since then, the city has replaced more than 270 miles of aging water and wastewater lines and repaired or replaced more than 4,800 stormwater structures, preventing countless leaks, breaks, and cave-ins. Long-standing flood-prone areas, such as portions of Henderson Avenue in South Tampa, have been eliminated, and new projects such as the MacDill 48 Nature Park now serve a dual purpose, offering major flood relief while also creating beautiful public spaces.
Housing continues to be a top priority. The Mayor highlighted the addition of 20,000 new residential units — many of them affordable — and various strategies used to stabilize the housing market, including land trusts, accessory dwelling units, downpayment and rental assistance, and zoning reforms. Despite setbacks such as the loss of revenue from the All for Transportation initiative, Mayor Castor emphasized the city’s determination to push forward. Tampa has increased street paving by 50% since 2019, resurfacing more than 235 miles of roads and adding 56 miles of bike lanes.
Tampa’s economy remains strong, with the city recently recognized as the number one metro area in the U.S. for women-owned businesses. Median household income has surpassed $70,000 for the first time, and the city maintains one of the highest municipal bond ratings in the nation. Mayor Castor also celebrated community-driven development projects, such as the nearly complete Fair Oaks Recreation Complex in East Tampa and the ongoing expansion of the West Riverwalk and River Arts District. She also acknowledged the continued growth of Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay, and Tampa General Hospital, which are making major investments to accommodate rising demands.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell
Nashville, TN
Mayor Freddie O’Connell delivered his State of the Metro Address, celebrating Nashville’s strong forward momentum, unique sense of belonging, and the benefits of a reliable, resilient local government. Mayor O’Connell presented a recommended operating budget for fiscal year 2026 built on a common-sense approach to governing that prioritizes quality schools, reliable services, and safe neighborhoods for Nashvillians.
Education is a central pillar of the FY2026 budget, with Metro Nashville Public Schools receiving 37.2% of the total allocation, a 13% increase from the previous year. With federal emergency funds expiring, the city is investing $64.5 million to maintain key student services, including college and career readiness, mental health support, Community Achieves, safety ambassadors, and programs for English learners and students with disabilities. These efforts are driving significant progress, and in 2024, the city saw the highest graduation rate on record. Among the nation’s 100 largest urban districts, Metro Schools ranked fourth in math and ninth in reading for post-pandemic recovery.
Transportation and access continue to improve under the voter-approved “Choose How You Move” transit plan. The FY2026 budget supports expanded frequency and reliability, a new low-income fare program, and increased access to WeGo Link and WeGo Access services. Public safety on transit is also being strengthened with the launch of a dedicated 29-officer MNPD transit division to patrol vehicles and transit centers. Meanwhile, the Parks Department will receive an additional $6.7 million to enhance security and maintenance in parks and community centers.
The FY2026 budget delivers a $49.6 million increase in public safety, reinforcing Metro’s commitment to protecting residents and responding when help is needed. The Nashville Fire Department will receive $15.3 million for faster response times, improved training, community safety programs, and upgraded EMS technology. The Metro Nashville Police Department will see a $24.7 million boost, including $3.5 million from transit revenues for its new division. MNPD will also add 36 officers to establish a permanent “D-Detail” flex unit that can support precincts across the city. Funding for the Department of Emergency Communications includes six new staff for the 911 Call Center, and the Office of Family Safety will grow with six new positions to support victims of domestic violence.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Heidi Lueb
Tigard, OR
In her State of the City Address, Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb celebrated the resilience, connection, and opportunity that strengthen the community. Her priorities include public safety, infrastructure, affordable housing, and building a more inclusive city.
Since adopting more flexible building codes in 2018, the city has constructed thousands of new homes, especially downtown. This includes the 84-unit affordable housing community Dartmouth Crossing, developed by Reach Community Development Corporation, and the AVA mixed-use project. The River Terrace neighborhood, which began development in 2016, is now nearly complete, having exceeded initial goals and delivered thousands of new homes in a walkable community with parks and transportation options.
Tigard’s Safe Streets for All Action Plan and Neighborhood Management Plan are helping address speeding and traffic safety concerns. Programs such as 20 is Plenty are lowering neighborhood speed limits to reduce accidents and encourage walking, biking, and community connection. Tigard is also expanding pedestrian bridges and trail access to enhance mobility and safety for all residents. The Mayor shared that plans are underway to design and build a new police and public works facility that improves emergency response and better supports Tigard’s growing population.
Mayor Lueb highlighted over $340,000 in urban renewal grants awarded in the past year, which helped launch eight new businesses, most of which were minority- or women-owned. Initiatives such as the Los Empresarios de Tigard are equipping Latinx and Spanish-speaking business owners with training, mentorship, and resources, while the Business Spotlight Series fosters community connections.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Jacob Frey
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a clear message that the city is on the right track even as national leadership falters. His remarks centered on the power of local government to meet the moment with competence, compassion, and commitment, especially in contrast to the chaos and uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration. As the federal government threatens community safety, education, affordable housing, climate action, and civil rights, Mayor Frey reiterated the City of Minneapolis’ commitment to each area.
Thanks to an expanding public-safety ecosystem, significant reforms in the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), increased police officers, and a data-driven approach to tackling violent crime, Minneapolis is safer than it has been in years. The MPD is working tirelessly to rebuild, implement reforms, and engage with the community. In the last year, the city has seen a significant decrease in violent crime, including carjackings, assaults, and shootings. Mayor Frey also shared that the city had a 10% increase in 911 call answer times and made significant progress in clearing the backlog of police conduct review cases.
Since 2018, Minneapolis has produced 8.5 times the amount of affordable housing compared to previous years, and that work continues. This includes 4,700 new affordable housing units since 2018, more than four times the annual average from the seven years prior. Additionally, the Stable Homes Stable Schools program was expanded to every public elementary school in Minneapolis, which serves more than 6,200 students and their families. The city has also significantly reduced the number of homeless encampments since last year.
Through programs such as the Lake Street Lift initiative, the Downtown Action Plan, and the Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, the city is investing in its neighborhoods and entrepreneurs and has seen significant economic growth throughout the community. For the 14th year in a row, construction values topped $1 billion in 2024, and more than 25 entrepreneurs have been supported with almost $13 million through the city’s Ownership and Opportunity Fund.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Eddie Melton
Gary, IN
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton delivered his second State of the City Address, where he shared remarks highlighting the revitalization during his first year as Mayor. He highlighted tangible investments, economic development, and notable achievements accomplished during the first year of his administration.
Mayor Melton announced the arrival of a FedEx distribution facility in Gary, expected to open in 2027. The facility is expected to bring around 600 jobs, with a hiring goal of 20% of those positions to be offered to Gary residents. This economic momentum is mirrored in the city’s housing strategy, where stabilization initiatives are laying the foundation for long-term neighborhood revitalization.
The Mayor announced that in 2026, Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. would again generously donate their time and expertise to demolish 100 abandoned homes in just 10 days, clearing the way for new development across Aetna, Marshalltown, and Tarrytown. In 2024 alone, the city issued 4,366 permits for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work, nearly doubling the 2,642 permits in 2023. These improvements generated over $1.27 million in city revenue.
Community support services are also expanding with the development of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, set to open in 2026. This multi-agency partnership includes YMCA Crossroads, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, Methodist Hospital, and the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. The campus will be critical for youth development, wellness, and community engagement. Mayor Melton also announced that the YWCA will open a new shelter dedicated to expanding services for women and children in need. The facility will fill a critical gap as the previous Gary women’s shelter has been closed for five years. The new shelter is scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Lauren McLean
Boise, ID
In her sixth State of the City Address, Mayor Lauren McLean emphasized Boise’s progress on affordable housing, public safety, and quality-of-life investments. Framing her remarks around Boise’s “North Star”, caring for people, Mayor McLean shared some highlights of her time as Mayor, demonstrating that local government works alongside residents, creating a city for everyone.
Housing continues to be a central focus for Mayor McLean. She highlighted the opening of the 102-unit Wilson Station Apartments, all designated as affordable housing, with 10% of the units reserved for families exiting homelessness. The city also launched the Supportive Housing Investment Fund with a $7.5 million commitment, which has since attracted an additional $6 million in private and philanthropic support. To support affordability beyond housing, she recently convened local utility providers to find ways to lower household costs and partnered with El Ada Community Action Partnership to offer energy efficiency upgrades for low-income homeowners.
Mayor McLean also emphasized the city’s work to enhance public safety and community well-being. Boise’s crime rate is now at a 24-year low, and the city has taken steps to ensure it stays that way. This includes opening a new neighborhood police station on State Street and a 23% increase in traffic enforcement following a spike in fatalities. Additionally, the city is preparing to open Fire Station 13 in Northwest Boise, a fully electric facility that will provide critical emergency services to address the community’s needs. The station will also offer shared space for police officers, improving coordination and response times in the area.
The Mayor reinforced her commitment to improving the quality of life through investments in parks, open space, and sustainable infrastructure. Boise is set to open its 100th and 101st parks, Settlers Canal Path and Kaixo Corner, bringing the city closer to ensuring every resident lives within a ten-minute walk of a park. Under her leadership, the percentage of residents with access has risen from 60% to 74%. She also celebrated the city’s plan to plant 100,000 new trees by the decade’s end to help lower neighborhood temperatures and reduce energy use. At the Boise Airport, which is experiencing record growth, the city launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide better travel accommodations for individuals with non-visible disabilities.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Kate Gallego
Phoenix, AZ
Mayor Kate Gallego delivered her State of the City Address, sharing that amid the “chaos and confusion coming from our government in Washington,” Phoenix and its City Council are “leading with competence and collaboration.” Her priorities include workforce development, public safety, education, infrastructure, economic growth, housing, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
In her remarks, Mayor Gallego highlighted how Phoenix is creating life-changing career pathways and how wages are up nearly 50% in five years. Mayor Gallego hailed the progress of Phoenix’s bioscience industry, noting that in the last five years “Phoenix’s bioscience sector has seen nearly $7 billion in capital investments, more than 8 million square feet in primary facilities, and upwards of 14,000 new jobs.” She also noted that the General Obligation Bond approved by voters in 2023 will help pay for ASU Health, which includes a new medical school to be built on downtown’s Phoenix Biomedical Core. Further, she shared that what started as a $12 billion investment from TSMC for semiconductors has grown to $165 billion, the largest foreign direct investment in American history.
She announced that Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop flights from Phoenix to Taipei early next year, pending final gate approval. Mayor Gallego has worked to secure nonstop air service to Asia since she was elected mayor. She also shared that the South Central Light Rail extension will open soon, a significant milestone for the communities it connects. This project brings long-overdue access to jobs, schools, and healthcare.
Under Mayor Gallego’s leadership, Phoenix is tackling the housing shortage head-on. The city met its goal of developing or preserving 50,000 homes five years early, and has surpassed its goal by nearly 3,000 units. Phoenix is also combating extreme heat with its network of cooling centers, hydration stations, and shade structures. As a result of these efforts, heat-related 911 calls dropped by 20%, and the heat respite centers helped move more than 900 people into stable shelters, including nearly 100 children.
Violent crime is down in Phoenix, and homicides are at their lowest level in more than five years. This summer, a new 911 call center will open, and the facility will help the city implement Next Generation 911, which will increase the accuracy of caller locations, improve response to large-scale events, and much more. The city’s Community Assistance Program is showing great success, with the response team fielding more than 10,000 calls for service, with more than a fifth of which were diverted from police.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Matt Mahan
San Jose, CA
In his State of the City Address, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan declared that the city is again “on the cusp” of transformative progress. His top priorities include public safety, housing and homelessness, blight, infrastructure, tourism, and emerging technologies.
This year, San Jose plans to open over 1,000 new safe and dignified places, more than any other city on the West Coast, to provide humane and immediate alternatives to encampments. The city implemented strategic fee reductions to make housing development more viable, helping previously stalled housing projects totaling 2,000 units move forward. The Mayor also stressed that more action is needed, particularly from county and state partners, to provide the mental health and addiction treatment services necessary to stabilize residents transitioning out of homelessness. He plans to continue advocating for permanent state funding for interim housing and shelter.
Mayor Mahan celebrated San Jose’s public safety achievements, highlighting a 100% homicide solve rate over the past three years, an unmatched record among large U.S. cities. The Mayor also addressed blight and vandalism through “Education, Eradication, and Enforcement”. Through this process, the city removed 1.9 million square feet of graffiti, hosted over 350 trash clean-ups, and took nearly 10.5 million pounds of trash off the streets this year. To reinforce these efforts, the city has restarted graffiti stings, increased prosecution of repeat offenders, and launched restorative justice initiatives that turn prolific taggers into community beautifiers.
With San Jose set to host both the Super Bowl and World Cup events in 2026, the city is investing in the community and entertainment infrastructure to revitalize its downtown core and boost economic recovery. These efforts include an outdoor concert series, activating entertainment zones, and community-wide events celebrating San Jose’s diversity and creativity. Mayor Mahan also emphasized the city’s leadership in embracing AI and emerging technologies. In partnership with San Jose State University, the city has launched hands-on training programs that have helped staff save 10,000 work hours while equipping students with in-demand skills. AI pilot programs are already improving public safety, speeding up bus routes, and detecting real-time infrastructure issues.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
Mayor Stephanie Terry
Evansville, IN
In her State of the City Address, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry emphasized the city’s growing momentum and outlined how her administration is building a stronger, more inclusive community. The Mayor’s top priorities include housing, public safety, infrastructure, education, and quality-of-life investments in neighborhoods and parks.
Housing remains a top priority for Mayor Terry. She announced that Evansville had surpassed her administration’s goal of 350 new affordable housing units by this year, with an additional 240 in the pipeline. Her latest goal of 2,000 units by the end of her term reaffirms her commitment to addressing the housing crisis. To support neighborhood revitalization, the city tripled its demolition budget and launched the Fight Blight initiative, resulting in over 90 dangerous properties already slated for removal in 2025. She also highlighted the Block-by-Block program and the Forward Together grant initiative, which supports nonprofits in revitalizing neighborhoods and reducing poverty.
Mayor Terry highlighted record recruitment numbers following new contracts that increased compensation for police and firefighters. She shared that the Evansville Fire Department will take over citywide EMS operations beginning in summer 2026, which is expected to improve efficiency and generate $3.5 million annually by 2028. This shift will free up funds for other core services, including roads, parks, and housing. The city also continues to reduce crime through community-focused programs like the Community Violence Intervention initiative and a new Youth Advisory Council to give young people a direct voice in shaping public safety solutions.
Evansville is also investing heavily in quality-of-life improvements in public spaces and infrastructure. The city’s $24 million Parks Bond will fund restoration and improvement projects across multiple parks, including upgrading and fixing HVAC and irrigation systems, as well as installing new splash pads, playgrounds, and activity zones in places like Tepe and Garvin Parks. Mayor Terry also announced that Evansville Water and Sewer Utility is entering discussions with regulators to implement an innovative groundwater blending strategy that will strengthen water security, reduce PFAS treatment costs, and save the city an estimated $100 million upfront, delivering long-term sustainability and ratepayer relief.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.