Mayor Melvin Carter - Democratic Mayors

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter gave his State of the City address, reflecting on the city’s resiliency over the past year and his vision for the future. Mayor Carter’s top priorities include public safety, youth development initiatives, economic development, and affordable housing.

“While there is much work ahead, today I stand confident that the State of Our City is strong enough, resilient enough, and bright enough to continue lighting the path forward. Together, we will continue our drive to bet on each other, we will continue our unending pursuit of building a better community for our children and grandchildren, and we will continue building a city that truly works for all of us,” said Mayor Carter.

Mayor Carter discussed the city’s investments in its police department, which has led to less force across the board, fewer officer and civilian injuries, and a clear higher percentage of violent crimes with an arrest. He also shared how St. Paul plans to continue to work with the Biden Administration, among others, to leverage funding to develop a more comprehensive and data-driven approach to public safety.

Watch Mayor Carter’s address here.

More State of the City Addresses

Akron, Ohio

Mayor Shammas Malik

During his third State of the City Address, Mayor Shammas Malik outlined a sweeping vision for Akron’s future centered on collaboration, innovation, and community investment. The speech highlighted major new initiatives across housing, public safety, youth opportunity, sustainability, and economic development, all tied together through the city’s “Together for Akron” framework.

Evansville, Indiana

Mayor Stephanie Terry

In her third State of the City Address, Mayor Stephanie Terry reflected on a year defined by steady progress and continued work to build a vibrant, inclusive community where safety, opportunity, and connection help all residents thrive. Speaking under the theme “Building What Matters,” she emphasized that the city’s progress is driven by people—city employees, partners, and residents—who continue to show up and invest in Evansville’s future.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Mayor Paige Cognetti

Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti delivered her State of the City Address, outlining a six-year turnaround that has taken the city from the brink of financial distress to a position of stability and growth, while continuing investments in public safety, infrastructure, quality of life, and lower costs for residents. Mayor Cognetti also highlighted Scranton’s financial progress, including three credit rating upgrades since exiting financially distressed status in 2022 and achieving its current A- rating with a stable outlook.