Mayor Bruce Harrell - Democratic Mayors

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered his State of the City address, outlining his One Seattle Vision for the city’s future. Mayor Harrell shared actions to address challenges like public safety, homelessness, downtown activation, climate action, and more.

In his remarks, Mayor Harrell highlighted strategies to make Seattle’s downtown safer and more welcoming, including filling vacant storefronts, issuing a future executive order to address fentanyl and synthetic drugs, and creating a linear arts-entertainment cultural district.

“As we work to make Seattle safe for everyone, address homelessness, revitalize Downtown, and build a healthy city for all, we recognize the future Seattle is the one that we’re building today. Once again, we must embrace the boldness and innovation that our city is renowned for, turn policy into progress, and unite to build One Seattle together,” said Mayor Harrell.

Mayor Harell also announced the launch of neighborhood-focused unified care teams to help those experiencing homelessness connect with places to go and provide services to keep city spaces clean. He also shared efforts to tackle the climate crisis through new clean buildings, tree preservation and planting, and Seattle’s Green New Deal investments in resilience hubs and electric heat pump conversion.

Watch Mayor Harell’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.