Mayor Randall Woodfin - Democratic Mayors

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin outlined his vision for the city for 2022 in his second State of the City of address, focusing on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, Birmingham’s Promise, infrastructure, and public safety.

At the forefront of Mayor Woodfin’s priorities is investing in new developments and helping revitalize Birmingham’s neighborhoods. He said the city would be transforming the former Ensley High School into a 244 home and mixed-use development. In addition, he shared that a $25 million project would invest in housing in the Belview Heights neighborhood.

He also discussed the successes of the Birmingham Promise program, which provides tuition assistance to city graduates attending public colleges in Alabama. The program has assisted over 800 students, and $1.7 million has gone toward tuition.

Mayor Woodfin also highlighted other priorities, including providing more job and education opportunities for youth, positioning Birmingham as a “major player” in the sports realm, and helping the city be more active in its partnerships with health care and health technology industries.

Watch Mayor Woodfin’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.