Mayor Matt Turek - Democratic Mayors

Allentown Mayor Matt Turek delivered his first State of the City address, reflecting on the city’s current state and his vision for the future.

In Mayor Turek’s address, he began by sharing the city’s history from 1970 forward and discussing the city’s highs and lows. He noted that Allentown had experienced many challenges throughout the years, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. He stated that he has actively listened to the community and shared some of his top priorities that need to be addressed. These priorities include housing, public safety, cleanliness, economic development, parking, public health, and education.

“It’s my commitment that I make to you as the Mayor of Allentown. I’m going to be open and honest with you always,” said Mayor Tuerk.

Watch Mayor Tuerk’s address 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.