Mayor LaToya Cantrell - Democratic Mayors

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell closed out 2023 by delivering her State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s continued progress and her vision for the community’s future. The Mayor’s priorities include infrastructure, public safety, youth engagement, economic and workforce development, small businesses, quality of life, and cultural investments.

A key highlight of the Mayor’s remarks was the city’s infrastructure initiatives. Mayor Cantrell detailed investments such as the West Complex Power Plant, green infrastructure developments, and the installation of smart meters. Additionally, she stressed the successful management of federal grants for these initiatives to enhance the city’s resilience to flooding and improve infrastructure reliability.

Mayor Cantrell spotlighted the city’s holistic approach to public safety, including collaborating with law enforcement agencies, establishing mobile crisis intervention units, and launching trauma centers to support victims of crime. She also noted the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing strategies to curb violent crime rates in the city, which have led to a decrease in homicides and violent crime over the past year.

The Mayor shared updates on youth engagement initiatives, underscoring programs such as the Pathways Program, the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, and mental health services through the Thrive Kids initiative.

Watch Mayor Cantrell’s full remarks here.

More State of the City Addresses

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.

Minneapolis , Minnesota

Mayor Jacob Frey

In his State of the City Address, Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is strong but emphasized that Minneapolis must refocus on the fundamentals of city government and on delivering results. Reflecting on a difficult year marked by disruption and challenges across the community, Mayor Frey said the city demonstrated resilience and resolve while stressing the importance of prioritizing safe streets, stable housing, and a strong local economy.