In his State of the City Address, Mayor Ken Welch expressed optimism about the city’s future, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the community in making St. Petersburg a resilient, vibrant, and sustainable place for all residents.
The city focuses on impactful programs to connect youth with opportunities and develop a well-prepared workforce. Mayor Welch announced the Mayor’s Future Ready Academy, an 18-week job training program providing full-time pay and benefits. The Mayor is also refining the city’s “Not My Child” and Cohort of Champions programs, focusing on educational and community support and anti-violence efforts.
Mayor Welch is dedicated to driving inclusive economic development that enhances the quality of life for all. A key initiative includes the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area Microfund Program, offering capacity building, education, mentoring, networking, and funding for business improvements. Additionally, the city is working on a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program, which will address the documented underutilization of minority and women-owned businesses by removing barriers and actively working to expand their business opportunities.
St. Petersburg is also committed to creating safer and healthier neighborhoods throughout the city, including supporting healthy food access, health care, supportive services, recreation, and crime reduction. Mayor Welch highlighted the Community Support Hubs, an initiative supported by ARPA funds that provide trauma-informed therapy, case management, and outreach tailored to community needs.
Watch Mayor Welch’s full address here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
