Mayor Michelle Wu - Democratic Mayors

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu gave her first State of the City address, announcing a series of reforms to advance growth and ensure that the community’s planning and development resources are directed toward addressing today’s greatest challenges, including climate resilience, equitable growth, and housing affordability.

Mayor Wu will establish a City Planning and Design Department operating under the direction of Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison and create a Citywide Planning Advisory Council to increase coordination between City departments. The Mayor also committed to updating Boston’s zoning code to create thousands of additional housing units in Boston’s squares and corridors and reform the Article 80 process to increase speed and predictability for development.

“As we look to the year ahead, our administration is focused on building a green and growing city for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Together, we can all build a Boston where the things we build inspire—but don’t define—us and where each generation shines brighter than the last.”

Watch Mayor Wu’s address 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.