Mayor Sharon Tucker - Democratic Mayors

Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker delivered her second State of the City Address centered on the theme “Fort Wayne – Investing in Ourselves,” recapping the many successes from 2025 and laying out a vision for 2026.

Mayor Tucker highlighted key accomplishments, including the implementation of the Mayor’s Mental Health Commission, the launch of the Mayor’s Young Adult Council, and the establishment of the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee, which has allocated more than $1 million to the community. Led by the Fort Wayne Police Department, the city saw double-digit reductions in overall, violent, and property crimes, with a homicide clearance rate well above the national average for medium and large cities.

The Mayor shared that the Public Works Division oversaw $41.4 million in local neighborhood infrastructure projects; City Utilities completed the 18-year Long-Term Control Plan to reduce basement backups and restore the health of the city’s rivers; and Parks and Recreation led the redevelopment of Brewer and Packard parks. She also pointed to economic growth through public-private partnerships with Bombardier and the Tippmann Group, as well as riverfront and downtown development.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mayor Tucker outlined plans for the North River District, the possibility of a casino, a downtown grocery store, expanded housing opportunities, and efforts to address homelessness. She also highlighted that Fort Wayne continues to earn national recognition as one of the best-run and most affordable cities in the country, as well as a top housing market.

Watch the Mayor’s full remarks 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.