Savannah Mayor Van Johnson gave his State of the City Address, highlighting the community’s significant accomplishments from the past year and his plans for the future. The Mayor’s priorities include community development, resiliency, public safety, livability, quality of life, fundamental city services, economic access, and good governance.
“The state of Savannah is resolute. We are renewed. We are refreshed. And we are ready to continue to build the next era of the greatest City on earth,” said Mayor Johnson.
A top priority for the Mayor is affordable housing, and he shared that in its first three years, the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund surpassed its investment target by an impressive 232%, reaching over $122 million. He noted through the city’s Housing Savannah initiative, they have supported 679 households with rental assistance, invested in 254 rental units, helped 586 homeowners with essential repairs, and provided 165 first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance. Additionally, as of mid-year, the Housing Savannah Action Plan is on track to meet 50% of its annual goals, with more than $19 million slated to support 373 households by year-end.
The Mayor also discussed efforts to combat homelessness, noting work through task forces and strategic partnerships to make strides for the community. He highlighted that according to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count Report, Savannah decreased homelessness by 22.5%.
Mayor Johnson also spoke about public safety improvements, sharing that citywide, violent crime has decreased by 21%, and property crime is down by 18% from last year. He discussed safety investments, including adding 32 new officers to the Savannah Police Department and passing a 5% pay increase for officers to stay competitive and recruit quality candidates. The Mayor also shared about the Stolen Gun Ordinance, which holds people accountable for leaving weapons in unlocked vehicles, and the success of the city’s “Top 10 Most Wanted” initiative, a program aimed at capturing Savannah’s most dangerous criminals.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
