Mayor Andy Schor - Democratic Mayors

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor delivered his sixth State of the City Address, focusing his remarks on the theme of ‘Lansing’s Time is Now’ and outlining the city’s plans for the upcoming year. Mayor Schor’s top priorities are housing, economic development, public safety, business growth, support for social services, parks, and sustainability.

In his remarks, Mayor Schor noted that a strong city needs housing for all people, including affordable housing with supportive services for those in need and workforce housing to attract and retain workers. Among the city’s many new housing projects, Mayor Schor announced the Lansing Rental Housing Rehabilitation Program, which will help rehab affordable rental housing.

“I am proud to report that the state of our city is great. While we still navigate challenges and issues that all communities face, we’ve been able to accomplish much over the last year after having to change our lives due to the pandemic,” said Mayor Schor.

Like other cities that saw a rise in crime during the pandemic, Lansing has sought solutions such as Advance the Peace, which uses peers to curb and prevent violence. The city’s efforts also include a recent $175 million bond that will help the community create a new and modern public safety campus to house its entire police force and will help them recruit and retain first responders.

Watch Mayor Schor’s full remarks here.

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.