Mayor Eileen Higgins delivered her first State of the City Address just over a month into her tenure, speaking directly to residents about the city’s current moment and the work ahead. She highlighted early priorities and initial accomplishments, emphasizing a commitment to listening, cutting red tape, and building a city government that works more effectively for the people it serves.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval delivered his State of the City Address, reflecting on achievements and his vision for the city’s future. The Mayor’s priorities include equitable growth, public safety, environmental justice, economic opportunity, and housing. Mayor Pureval highlighted several investments in community-based solutions to prevent violence. The city launched an Alternative Response to Crisis team, which deploys mental health professionals for specific 911 calls, freeing up police resources and providing specialized care.
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.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey delivered his State of the City Address, presenting his 2025 budget proposal that details his vision to protect and build on his administration’s work to restore core services for residents, increase the availability of affordable housing, and revitalize the downtown. During his address, Mayor Gainey highlighted investments in public works, public safety, housing, development plans, economic development, and environmental efforts.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis delivered his State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s progress in infrastructure, public safety, sustainability, housing, transportation, and quality of life while laying out a forward-looking vision for continued growth.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird delivered her State of the City Address, which focused on significant street infrastructure, affordable housing, and workforce development successes. She also announced critical advancements in initiatives to grow Lincoln’s vibrant economy and quality of life.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire held his inaugural State of the City address on September 17, 2024, at the Hilton Americas. The Mayor talked about his upbringing, his early years in the Texas Legislature, and the challenges his administration inherited since he became the leader of the nation’s fourth-largest city.
In his sixth State of the City Address, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller laid out a vision focused on “a future worth fighting for.” His priorities include public safety, housing and homelessness, growing the local economy, improving healthcare access, and fostering inclusive communities. A primary focus of Mayor Keller’s address was public safety, announcing a series of initiatives to reduce crime and enhance safety across the city, including increasing patrols on public transit, expanding the ShotSpotter gun detection system, and doubling the number of speed cameras.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. delivered his State of the City Address, reflecting on the unity and strength of his community. He also outlined his priorities: safety, innovation, education, food insecurity, affordable housing, and workforce and economic development. Public safety remains a top priority, and the city made significant progress in 2023, including a 22% reduction in homicides and improvements to its 911 Emergency Communications Department.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston delivered his first State of the City Address, celebrating the city’s achievements over the last year and outlining his priorities for the coming year. His priorities include addressing homelessness, responding to the migrant crisis, reimagining public safety, uniting the community through service, investing in a vibrant city, and making the community affordable.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan delivered his State of the City Address, where he recognized the community's heroes, highlighted the importance of service, and discussed his efforts to tackle homelessness and public safety concerns. In his remarks, he discussed his administration's most strategic investment in ending unsheltered homelessness in the history of San Jose, sharing they are committed to moving more people out of unmanaged encampments than ever before.
In his State of the City Address, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther outlined his vision for the city and his priorities for his third term in office. These include strengthening community safety, promoting affordable neighborhoods, and building an expanded, equitable, and affordable transportation system.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell gave his first State of the City Address, detailing a path toward a more connected, affordable city with a local government that feels like a partner to residents. Mayor O’Connell discussed Nashville’s transportation improvement program, Choose How You Move, which aims to improve sidewalks, signals, service, and safety. The referendum would add 86 miles of sidewalk improvements, 54 miles of upgraded corridors to provide more reliable transit options, and a transit system that runs 24/7, 365 days a year.
