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

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.