Mayor Allen Joines - Democratic Mayors

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines delivered his State of the City address, sharing that the city has faired well despite pandemic challenges and has seen a recent surge in economic and workforce growth. Mayor Joines’ top priorities include homelessness, affordable housing, poverty, public safety, economic and workforce development.

In his remarks, Mayor Joines shared that the city’s net job growth was 3.5%, the third-highest in the Southeast. He further noted that Winston-Salem was tied with other major Southern cities in the percentage increase of new business startups.

“I believe the state of Winston-Salem is very positive, is very strong, and going in the right direction,” said Mayor Joines.

Watch Mayor Joines’ 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

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.