Mayor Jon Mitchell - Democratic Mayors

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a broad set of priorities across public safety, housing, education, infrastructure, economic development, and the city’s fiscal outlook, while emphasizing a vision to lay the foundation for a thriving city at the center of a vibrant region.

Mayor Mitchell highlighted plans to increase local investment in road reconstruction and paving by 33% and announced a new agreement with Eversource that will shift significant repaving responsibility to the utility company. He also introduced a coordinated early childhood initiative to align schools, workforce programs, and service providers to better support young residents. The Mayor also detailed additional initiatives moving from development to implementation, including the long-anticipated RiverWalk project, expanded substance abuse outreach around the bus terminal, and the launch of a digital dashboard to increase transparency around public works projects.

Mayor Mitchell pointed to progress on stormwater permitting reform, the near completion of lead service line replacements, and continued modernization of the Port of New Bedford to support future industry growth. He also reflected on the city’s recent progress, including major public safety gains, continued declines in crime and fires, new housing development, and significant infrastructure and economic development projects. The Mayor highlighted improvements in New Bedford Public Schools, growth in the marine technology and manufacturing sectors, and the reopening of the Zeiterion Theater.

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.