Mayor Jacob Frey - Democratic Mayors

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a clear message that the city is on the right track even as national leadership falters. His remarks centered on the power of local government to meet the moment with competence, compassion, and commitment, especially in contrast to the chaos and uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration. As the federal government threatens community safety, education, affordable housing, climate action, and civil rights, Mayor Frey reiterated the City of Minneapolis’ commitment to each area.

Thanks to an expanding public-safety ecosystem, significant reforms in the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), increased police officers, and a data-driven approach to tackling violent crime, Minneapolis is safer than it has been in years. The MPD is working tirelessly to rebuild, implement reforms, and engage with the community. In the last year, the city has seen a significant decrease in violent crime, including carjackings, assaults, and shootings. Mayor Frey also shared that the city had a 10% increase in 911 call answer times and made significant progress in clearing the backlog of police conduct review cases.

Since 2018, Minneapolis has produced 8.5 times the amount of affordable housing compared to previous years, and that work continues. This includes 4,700 new affordable housing units since 2018, more than four times the annual average from the seven years prior. Additionally, the Stable Homes Stable Schools program was expanded to every public elementary school in Minneapolis, which serves more than 6,200 students and their families. The city has also significantly reduced the number of homeless encampments since last year.

Through programs such as the Lake Street Lift initiative, the Downtown Action Plan, and the Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, the city is investing in its neighborhoods and entrepreneurs and has seen significant economic growth throughout the community. For the 14th year in a row, construction values topped $1 billion in 2024, and more than 25 entrepreneurs have been supported with almost $13 million through the city’s Ownership and Opportunity Fund.

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.