Mayor Caroline Simmons - Democratic Mayors

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons delivered her State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s progress and her vision of building a more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant city where every resident can thrive. Mayor Simmons outlined her top priorities, including fixing the city’s infrastructure, advancing economic prosperity, and making the government more accountable.

The Mayor shared infrastructure improvements, including road paving, sidewalk repairs, and the largest school construction project in the city’s history. She also noted the importance of investing in parks, beaches, and marinas, ensuring all residents can access high-quality park facilities.

Regarding sustainability and resiliency, Mayor Simmons highlighted the city’s efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Stamford conducted its first greenhouse gas inventory, implemented energy efficiency measures, and secured federal funding for sustainable projects.

Mayor Simmons also discussed economic prosperity, including initiatives to support small businesses, such as COVID-19 resiliency grants and efforts to attract international companies. She emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusivity, focusing on supporting minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses and individuals with disabilities.

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.