Mayor Ted Green - Democratic Mayors

East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green presented his State of the City Address, which covered the progress of the city over the past six years under his administration, including new workforce development initiatives, more than $2.5 billion in redevelopment, reduced crime, $100 million in infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing.

In his address, Mayor Green highlighted several significant achievements and initiatives for the community. These include a $2.5 billion investment in redevelopment, with 22% of all new housing designated as affordable. Additionally, $100 million has been allocated for public works and infrastructure improvements.

The Mayor highlighted historic reductions in crime, including 69% in gun-related crimes, 33% in violent crimes, and 4% in overall crimes since 2018. He also shared the creation of the Public Safety Drone Team to assist with crime and firefighting and the establishment of the Homeless Prevention and Response Team to address chronic homelessness.

Mayor Green showcased some of the city’s ongoing construction projects, including the Crossings at Brick Church Station, the East Orange Public Library, and Oval Park. In a video shown during his remarks, he revealed that the new basketball courts would be named in honor of Grammy-Award-Winning Group Naughty By Nature, whose members Vin Rock, DJ Kay Jee, and Treach grew up in the area surrounding the park.

More State of the City Addresses

Akron, Ohio

Mayor Shammas Malik

During his third State of the City Address, Mayor Shammas Malik outlined a sweeping vision for Akron’s future centered on collaboration, innovation, and community investment. The speech highlighted major new initiatives across housing, public safety, youth opportunity, sustainability, and economic development, all tied together through the city’s “Together for Akron” framework.

Evansville, Indiana

Mayor Stephanie Terry

In her third State of the City Address, Mayor Stephanie Terry reflected on a year defined by steady progress and continued work to build a vibrant, inclusive community where safety, opportunity, and connection help all residents thrive. Speaking under the theme “Building What Matters,” she emphasized that the city’s progress is driven by people—city employees, partners, and residents—who continue to show up and invest in Evansville’s future.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Mayor Paige Cognetti

Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti delivered her State of the City Address, outlining a six-year turnaround that has taken the city from the brink of financial distress to a position of stability and growth, while continuing investments in public safety, infrastructure, quality of life, and lower costs for residents. Mayor Cognetti also highlighted Scranton’s financial progress, including three credit rating upgrades since exiting financially distressed status in 2022 and achieving its current A- rating with a stable outlook.