Mayor Paige Cognetti

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti delivered her 2021 State of the City Address in City Hall this Spring, reflecting on an unconventional first year in office and the progress her administration achieved amid the challenges of 2020.

Public engagement and transparency were at the core of Mayor Cognetti’s vision for city government when she took office.

“We’ve held nearly 60 town halls and over 1,700 meetings,” she shared. “To keep our team here at City Hall accountable and open, we’ve begun our virtual town halls twice a week and implemented the 311 line that allows the people to report issues within the City with a quick response.”

Mayor Cognetti said that targeted efforts on budget and spending allowed the City of Scranton to weather the economic storm of the past year better than many of its peer cities. Her team is in close touch with the Biden administration to share what Scranton needs and how they can help them craft policies and programs that will deliver immediate results for families and businesses.

In the next year, education and workforce development efforts are at the forefront of Mayor Cognetti’s vision for Scranton.

“Our future is only as strong as the plans we put in place now and the young minds we
shape,” she said. “Every kid in Scranton is from the same place as the President – the bar is high and it’s on us to give each kid here the ability to achieve their dreams.”

Watch Mayor Cognetti’s full 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

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.