Mayor Jon Mitchell spotlighted New Bedford’s continued growth and progress in his State of the City Address, sharing updates on the port, parks and recreation, transportation, public safety, education, economic development, and housing.
The Mayor highlighted several successes over the past year, including investments in public safety that continue to make a positive difference in the quality of life for New Bedford residents. In 2024, not only did crime continue to decrease, but also the incidence of structure fires. In the last decade, violent crime has dropped by 58%.
Mayor Mitchell shared that more housing units were completed in 2024 than in any year in recent memory after the city streamlined permitting, overhauled the zoning “use table,” and eased planning board review requirements. New Bedford also progressed on several major transportation projects and completed several key Port projects.
He also made several announcements for the year, including plans to create a “road map” for expanding the city’s manufacturing sector, supported by new training programs, infrastructure improvements, and the revival of the Redevelopment Authority. On housing, Mayor Mitchell proposed ordinances to encourage housing development by reducing the minimum lot size and parking requirements while offering support to suburbs willing to expand multifamily housing.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
