Mayor Aftab Pureval - Democratic Mayors

In his State of the City Address, Mayor Aftab Pureval highlighted a transformative four years for Cincinnati that have reshaped the city’s economic trajectory, expanded housing opportunities, and strengthened the foundation for long-term, equitable growth.

Mayor Pureval highlighted major investments reshaping Cincinnati’s urban core and fueling economic momentum across the region. He pointed to the nearly $300 million renovation of the Convention Center, the opening of Elm Street Plaza, and the upcoming 700-room convention hotel that will mark the first significant addition to the city’s skyline in years. He also noted downtown’s growing employer base, the fully filled Foundry building, and the Brent Spence Corridor project, which will create hundreds of trades jobs and open eleven acres of new developable land to reconnect neighborhoods historically divided by highway infrastructure.

Housing remained a central priority in the Mayor’s address. Mayor Pureval detailed the city’s work to confront Cincinnati’s housing shortage and affordability crisis, including creating the city’s first dedicated affordable housing revenue stream, strengthening the affordable housing trust fund, and partnering with the Cincinnati Development Fund to triple the production of new affordable homes. He highlighted reforms to residential incentives, a comprehensive overhaul of zoning and land use rules through the Connected Communities plan, and expanded access to low-income housing tax credits.

The Mayor also underscored the city’s focus on long-term stability, safety, and opportunity for families. He noted strengthened pension contributions and record infrastructure investments, made possible by the $1.8 billion Railway Trust. He highlighted economic mobility initiatives, including medical debt relief for more than $200 million in burdens, child savings accounts for preschoolers, eviction prevention programs, and community-informed financial empowerment efforts. Mayor Pureval also emphasized expanded safety strategies, including alternative crisis response models and updated policing tools.

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.