Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. - Democratic Mayors

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. delivered his State of the City address, centering his remarks on the theme of “Growing Forward” and highlighting improvements over the past year. Mayor Scott’s top priorities are public safety, education, affordable housing, infrastructure, sustainability, and economic and workforce development.

In his remarks, Mayor Scott discussed addressing community violence holistically to reduce it for generations to come. He plans to approach this by proposing raises for entry-level police, increasing staffing in emergency communications, assigning additional officers, and working toward having more officers live in the communities they serve.

“Little Rock, together we have experienced historic jobs growth, overcome disasters, improved quality of life for all, invested in education, sacrificed for each other’s safety, and we are continuing this work we started three years ago to serve ALL of Little Rock,” said Mayor Scott.

Watch Mayor Scott’s 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.