Mayor Kerry Thomson - Democratic Mayors

Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson’s State of the City Address celebrated a year of listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for a more equitable future. Mayor Thomson’s first year focused on assembling a dynamic leadership team and defining clear values to guide City Hall through accountability, transparency, co-creation, and joy.

On community safety, Mayor Thomson announced plans for a new police headquarters. The proposed site is supported by police staff and union members, allowing for enhanced victim services and a social service co-location. Citywide, fire stations received key renovations, and the construction on Station 3’s expansion is nearing completion.

Mayor Thomson highlighted a values-driven approach to housing and homelessness. In response to her call to action, local housing experts and service providers created a collaborative Housing Action Plan focused on prevention, outreach, supportive services, and regional coordination. Bloomington supported 137 new affordable homes, preserved 83 rental units, and helped more than 150 households stabilize their housing.

Mayor Thomson pointed to strong momentum in economic development, including the opening of The Forge in the Trades District and the launch of the Kiln building and new commercial spaces. A $16 million Lilly Endowment grant, shared with Indiana University and The Mill, will strengthen downtown ties, spark new development, and expand public art.

Watch 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.