Mayor Phillip Jones - Democratic Mayors

In his State of the City Address, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones outlined the city’s progress and vision for the future. He highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, economic growth, and public safety and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in shaping Newport News’ path forward.

Under Mayor Jones’ leadership, gun violence in Newport News has decreased by 25%, with homicides dropping by 52%. This success is attributed to strategic initiatives such as Operation Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire, which have strengthened law enforcement efforts, led to the recovery of over 1,000 illegal firearms, and improved collaboration with state and federal agencies. Looking ahead, the Mayor aims to expand the city’s police force, making Newport News the best-staffed city in Virginia while continuing to advocate for competitive pay for public defenders.

Investing in youth remains a top priority of Mayor Jones’ administration. Initiatives such as Friday Night Nets, a free summer basketball league for at-risk youth, and the Youth Career Program (YCP) have provided young people with safe spaces, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. To further support youth development, the city is reintroducing its summer jobs program, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to empowering the next generation.

Newport News is reimagining its downtown corridor with mixed-use developments, modern infrastructure, and dynamic public spaces by partnering with state and federal agencies. The Mayor is committed to making Newport News the most business-friendly city in the region by streamlining the permitting process and eliminating unnecessary red tape that has hindered small business growth in the past.

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.