Mayor Jon Mitchell - Democratic Mayors

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered his annual State of the City Address virtually on October 21, sharing updates on COVID-19 recovery efforts as well as accomplishments regarding the police and school departments, local small businesses, and the fishing industry.

The city is set to receive $64 million in federal relief funding, which “affords us a chance to grow the pie and reset the discussion about the importance of the city reinvesting in itself,” Mayor Mitchell said. He is submitting an outline of how the funds should be invested with the City Council in the near future.

The City of New Bedford continues to become a safer place to live, Mayor Mitchell said, thanking the Police Department and Neighborhood Task Force for their role in reducing crime rates.

“In 2020, as violent crime skyrocketed in cities across the country, it dropped in New Bedford some 5%. Property crime fell 21%. This continues a record of success over the last five years in which crime overall in the city has fallen 39%, one of the sharpest declines in the country,” he said.

Mayor Mitchell also celebrated the city’s rebounding economy and growing food scene. New Bedford has had more restaurants open than close during the pandemic.

Read his full State of the City Address here.

More State of the City Addresses

Detroit, Michigan

Mayor Mary Sheffield

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first State of the City Address, outlining a vision centered on lowering the cost of living, expanding homeownership, investing in families, and improving city services. She framed her agenda around making Detroit a more affordable, safer, and more opportunity-filled city, with a focus on growing population, supporting working families, and strengthening neighborhoods.

Lima, Ohio

Mayor Sharetta Smith

Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith delivered her State of the City Address in a new format, transforming her traditional remarks into a community-centered conversation that brought residents, city leaders, and local partners together to answer the questions that matter most. Her address was built around questions submitted by residents, covering topics including public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and family stability.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered his State of the City Address under the theme “The Year of Housing,” centered on a simple belief that everything begins at home. He framed his agenda around three core priorities: housing affordability, housing availability, and housing quality, emphasizing that safe and stable homes are foundational to strong families, neighborhoods, and a thriving city.