Mayor Kathy Sheehan - Democratic Mayors

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan delivered her annual State of the City address, sharing her vision for the year ahead and outlining plans for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

Mayor Sheehan shared her Albany for All Initiative, which will use ARPA dollars to help residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address public disparities. The initiative will use $25 million to support public health, small businesses, education, workforce development, housing, transportation, community revitalization, tourism, and much more.

“Seeing the Rescue Plan signed into law by the President…resulted in direct aid to the city of Albany – unprecedented funding to allow us to replace our lost revenue, as well as to invest in our communities in ways that address the inequities that were really laid bare by the pandemic,” said Mayor Sheehan.

Watch Mayor Sheehan’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.