Mayor Ed Gainey - Democratic Mayors

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey delivered his State of the City Address, outlining his vision for the coming year and the many accomplishments of the various city departments in 2023. In his remarks, he shared his three goals for the community: making Pittsburgh the safest city in America, becoming the most welcoming city in America, and being a city where everyone who calls Pittsburgh home can thrive.

Mayor Gainey emphasized that the budget is about the future of the next generation of city residents and their ability to thrive every day. He highlighted one of the city’s newest initiatives, City in the Streets, which are neighborhood events allowing citizens to speak directly with city officials about their concerns.

The Mayor touted Pittsburgh’s selection by the White House to be one of only five workforce hubs and said it reinforces the idea that the city is a national leader in workforce development. Mayor Gainey also noted that infrastructure has been a major priority for his administration since the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge, and the city now has a roadmap defining the status of every city-owned structure and the investment necessary for each asset.

Mayor Gainey shared the city’s partnership with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Pittsburgh Land Bank, which makes it possible to reduce blight to further neighborhood development. His address also highlighted proposed public safety investments in people, programs, and vehicles.

Watch Mayor Gainey’s full address 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.