Mayor Kate Gallego - Democratic Mayors

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivered her third State of the City address, centering her remarks on “Phoenix is rising…again”, highlighting the city’s accomplishments over the past year and upcoming initiatives. Mayor Gallego’s top priorities include public safety, affordable housing, education, healthcare, and economic and workforce development.

“We are a center of business innovation and worldwide influence. We are compassionate, yet we are doing what’s necessary to enforce the law and keep our people safe. We are creating opportunity, whether it’s in education, housing, or building a leading-edge career,” said Mayor Gallego.

In her remarks, Mayor Gallego shared how the city won a $1 million award for its Mobile Career Unit, which helps residents access job opportunities. She also discussed public safety efforts, such as expanding funding for their Community Assistance Program and increasing wages for police officers.

Watch Mayor Gallego’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.