Mayor Brandon M. Scott - Democratic Mayors

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 These reforms will overhaul outdated standards that prevent the city from expanding multifamily housing options.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.

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.