In his sixth State of the City Address, Mayor Van R. Johnson II reflected on the midpoint of his second administration with a halftime football theme, celebrating Savannah’s strong performance during the first half of the council term. He emphasized that Savannah remains financially strong, foundationally deep, and forward-thinking, with a clear focus on being safe, environmentally healthy, and economically thriving for all residents.
Mayor Johnson detailed continued economic momentum, noting more than $930 million in building permits in 2024, $618 million in development valuation through the third quarter of 2025, and meaningful revenue gains. The city adopted a balanced $600 million budget while raising starting police salaries, providing cost-of-living adjustments for employees, and maintaining the lowest millage rate since 1987. He also highlighted major investments in housing and homelessness initiatives, including new cottages for residents exiting homelessness, hundreds of assisted households, infill housing development, and ongoing efforts to eliminate blight.
He also outlined infrastructure and community improvements underway, including the Civic Center Legacy Project and upgrades to recreation facilities and parks. City departments continued to deliver high-quality services, completing millions of sanitation collections, processing thousands of tons of recycling, and responding to tens of thousands of service requests. Public safety trends continued to move in a positive direction, with reductions in violent crime, shootings, and property crime, along with a 75% homicide clearance rate and a 40% decline in guns stolen from unlocked cars.
Mayor Johnson closed by highlighting sustainability efforts, including new solar installations, emissions reductions, expansion of the city’s electric vehicle fleet and chargers, and more than double the number of stormwater work orders completed year over year. He also outlined the city’s strategic plan, Savannah GPS, which charts the next phase of work across public safety, equitable development, economic access, infrastructure, service delivery, and strong government performance.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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