Mayor Jacob Frey - Democratic Mayors

In his State of the City Address, Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is strong but emphasized that Minneapolis must refocus on the fundamentals of city government and on delivering results. Reflecting on a difficult year marked by disruption and challenges across the community, Mayor Frey said the city demonstrated resilience and resolve while stressing the importance of prioritizing safe streets, stable housing, and a strong local economy.

Mayor Frey highlighted continued progress in public safety, including declines in violent crime and a significant increase in applications to the Minneapolis Police Department as the city works to rebuild staffing levels. He outlined investments in a comprehensive safety strategy through expanded Community Safety Ambassadors, violence prevention efforts, overdose prevention tools, restored streetlights, and ongoing police reform work under the consent decree. Mayor Frey also announced new efforts to support Uptown’s recovery through increased patrols, expanded cleaning and maintenance, storefront activation, free Friday evening parking, and investments in local events and public spaces.

The Mayor reaffirmed that housing and economic growth remain central priorities, highlighting the creation and preservation of 890 affordable homes over the past year, as well as efforts to streamline permitting, reduce development barriers, and accelerate office-to-residential conversions. He also pointed to continued economic momentum with more than $1 billion in annual construction activity and a record 60,000 downtown residents, alongside new initiatives to reduce burdens on small businesses, expand redevelopment tools, and invest in commercial corridors and neighborhood events.

Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.

More State of the City Addresses

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.

Boise, Idaho

Mayor Lauren McLean

In her seventh State of the City Address, Mayor Lauren McLean emphasized the progress the city of Boise has made in creating a city for everyone. The Mayor also highlighted the progress the community has made in affordable housing, public safety, transportation, and quality-of-life investments while working to preserve the sense of belonging and opportunity that residents value.