Mayor Kaohly Her - Democratic Mayors

n her first State of the City Address, Mayor Kaohly Her said the state of Saint Paul is strong and rising, reflecting on her first 100 days in office and the challenges the city has faced. She described a community that has endured trauma and impossible circumstances, but emphasized that residents have come together to support one another, rebuild, and fight for their neighbors.

Mayor Her detailed the significant economic and social impacts of recent federal actions, noting steep losses for local businesses and ongoing hardship for families at risk of losing their homes. In response, she outlined actions taken in partnership with the City Council and community partners, including pursuing legal action against the federal government, advancing ordinances to increase accountability, and redirecting $1.4 million to expand emergency rental assistance. She also highlighted efforts to stabilize and grow the local economy through downtown revitalization, major public and private investments, support for small businesses, and long-term strategies. At the same time, she emphasized improvements to city systems and services, including new technology, streamlined permitting, increased transparency, and stronger constituent response, alongside measurable progress in public safety.

The Mayor outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on continued investment, infrastructure improvements, housing development, and community-centered growth. She pointed to major development projects, expanded park investments, efforts to modernize city assets, and measures to address deferred maintenance and strengthen financial transparency. The Mayor underscored the importance of accessibility, public safety, and regional collaboration in addressing challenges such as homelessness and economic recovery. She closed by emphasizing the role of local government in creating safe, supportive spaces for residents, committing to smart maintenance, strong partnerships, and expanded opportunities so more people can live, work, and thrive in Saint Paul.

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.