Mayor Van Johnson - Democratic Mayors

At his annual State of the City address, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson presented the city council’s work over the past year and called for unity and civility. In his remarks, Mayor Johnson spoke about several initiatives his administration led, ranging from crime to affordable housing to opening the new Enmarket Arena.

Mayor Johnson also highlighted his administration’s achievements, including raising police salaries, building the arena, and several impactful public safety initiatives. He praised the Summer Fun and Safety program in partnership with the Savannah Police Department for reducing crime and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, which aims to reduce violent crime in the community.

Later he shared the potential impacts of the Local Options Sales Tax (LOST), which is going through mediation with the county, noting that if negotiations fail, it will likely result in a property tax increase to make up for tax revenue provided by LOST.

“But we know there’s more ahead to do. And we’re going to be transparent about it. We are faced with a serious and definitive Dec. 31 deadline to negotiate a new distribution agreement between Chatham County and eight municipalities for the local option sales tax,” said Johnson. “Without this funding, Savannah faces a loss of more than $55 million.”

Watch Mayor Johnson’s remarks here.

More State of the City Addresses

Detroit, Michigan

Mayor Mary Sheffield

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first State of the City Address, outlining a vision centered on lowering the cost of living, expanding homeownership, investing in families, and improving city services. She framed her agenda around making Detroit a more affordable, safer, and more opportunity-filled city, with a focus on growing population, supporting working families, and strengthening neighborhoods.

Lima, Ohio

Mayor Sharetta Smith

Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith delivered her State of the City Address in a new format, transforming her traditional remarks into a community-centered conversation that brought residents, city leaders, and local partners together to answer the questions that matter most. Her address was built around questions submitted by residents, covering topics including public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and family stability.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered his State of the City Address under the theme “The Year of Housing,” centered on a simple belief that everything begins at home. He framed his agenda around three core priorities: housing affordability, housing availability, and housing quality, emphasizing that safe and stable homes are foundational to strong families, neighborhoods, and a thriving city.