Mayor Ed Gainey - Democratic Mayors

During his final State of the City Address, Mayor Ed Gainey reflected on the achievements of the past four years, underscoring his commitment to building a government that prioritizes the well-being of Pittsburgh’s residents in every decision.

Throughout his term, Pittsburgh has made significant strides in reducing violence and enhancing public safety. The reauthorization of the Stop the Violence Fund and ongoing investment in community-based organizations, including the largest grant awards in the fund’s history, continue to pave the way for those working on the front lines to reduce violence and build safer neighborhoods. These partnerships have contributed to an eight-year low in homicides, with a 37% decrease and no homicides among youth ages 13 to 17 in 2024

Meeting the needs of the unhoused community enabled the city to lead a revitalization effort, resulting in a $600 million reinvestment plan that brings new housing, public infrastructure, and community services to residents and visitors. Over 1,000 new units of housing are in the works, with Market Square renovations, the new Arts Landing park, a police substation, and public restrooms, contributing to ensuring Downtown remains a healthy and vibrant center of the region.

In addition to this growth, the Mayor emphasized the administration’s commitment to equity and inclusion, specifically in its efforts to strengthen opportunities for minority, women, LGBTQIA, and veteran-owned businesses. Underscoring that commitment, the administration is awaiting the completion and public release of the Pittsburgh Regional Disparity Study in 2026, which will offer valuable recommendations for removing barriers and expanding access to opportunities.

Read the Mayor’s full remarks here.

More State of the City Addresses

Las Vegas, Nevada

Mayor Shelley Berkley

Mayor Shelley Berkley delivered her State of the City Address, looking to the future and outlining how Las Vegas will continue to be a leading city that assists those in need, creates new opportunities, and provides safe and beautiful neighborhoods and amenities. She emphasized the city’s continued focus on helping vulnerable residents through expanded services, including the MORE Team pilot program, which connects individuals experiencing homelessness with mental health professionals, health workers, and street medicine, as well as the new Community Court that prioritizes structure, monitoring, and resources over punitive approaches.

Nashville, Tennessee

Mayor Freddie O’Connell

In his State of the Metro Address, Mayor Freddie O’Connell described his vision for a Nashville that is affordable, safe, healthy, welcoming, and prosperous, a city for everyone, and emphasized that progress will be purposeful, even when it is not always loud or linear. He outlined steps his administration will take to make Nashville more affordable, including proposals to cut the grocery tax, expand access to childcare, support small businesses, create jobs, build more housing, and invest in children from birth.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Mayor Indya Kincannon

In her seventh State of the City Address, Mayor Indya Kincannon proposed a lean budget that continues to prioritize public safety, affordable housing, parks, and high-quality people-focused services. She also emphasized the importance of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, noting that her budget proposal covers essential services without raising taxes, even as the city navigates inflation, rising costs, and broader economic uncertainty.