Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller gave his ninth State of the City Address to lay out an unconventional governing strategy for his historic third term, moving the city from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. Mayor Keller is challenging city government to work differently by removing unnecessary barriers, expanding choices, sharing resources the city already has, and making government tangibly useful in people’s everyday lives. His goals include rebuilding Albuquerque’s ability to get things done, restoring the broadest sense of public safety, and reducing the friction, frustration, and everyday burdens people face.
In his last State of the Community Address, Mayor Kelly Girtz reflected on Athens as a place of generosity, creativity, knowledge, and collaboration, where no one should be left behind and where the needs of future generations guide today’s work. Drawing on nearly twenty years of public service, he described a growing community shaped by strong institutions, including the University of Georgia, expanding medical and bioscience sectors, and steady population growth.
In her first State of the City Address, Mayor Kaohly Her said the state of Saint Paul is strong and rising, reflecting on her first 100 days in office and the challenges the city has faced. She described a community that has endured trauma and impossible circumstances, but emphasized that residents have come together to support one another, rebuild, and fight for their neighbors.
In her first State of the City Address, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones reflected on her first ten months in office, highlighting both early accomplishments and the significant financial challenges facing the community. She emphasized that the pace of change from legislation to technology requires a rethinking of how the city operates and makes decisions, underscoring that the state of the city is the choice between status quo, business as usual, or something better.
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans delivered the first State of the City Address of his second term, emphasizing that the city is resilient, robust, and ready for continued growth. He described progress made during his first term, including the creation of unprecedented partnerships that addressed pandemic challenges and strengthened partnerships that help residents and employers reach new heights of potential and success.
In her State of the City Address, Mayor Kate Gallego said the city’s strategic efforts to invest in the bioscience and semiconductor industries are yielding significant economic gains for the region, highlighting how Phoenix is creating more economic opportunities and improving the lives of those living in Arizona. Now in her eighth year as Mayor, she pointed to Phoenix joining Seattle, San Jose, and San Francisco as the top four U.S. cities for per capita GDP growth rates from 2022 to 2024, and ranking fourth for attracting new corporate headquarters.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer delivered her first State of the City Address, declaring that the state of the city is promising despite significant challenges and emphasizing a government focused on the basics of core services, public safety, and growth. Reflecting on her first year in office, the Mayor pointed to new and exciting milestones, while underscoring that real progress is measured through consistent, tangible improvements.
Mayor Phillip Jones delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a bold vision for the future of Newport News. In an address highlighting progress and forward-looking initiatives, Mayor Jones announced policies designed to support working families and strengthen Newport News’ position as a leader in Hampton Roads and across Virginia.
Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty delivered her State of the City Address in March, centered on the theme “Showing Up, Moving Forward,” and grounded in a candid assessment of both local progress and broader uncertainty. She spoke directly to the national moment, affirming Beaverton’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and civil rights, while emphasizing that the city’s strength comes from residents who stay engaged and invested in their community.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a broad set of priorities across public safety, housing, education, infrastructure, economic development, and the city’s fiscal outlook, while emphasizing a vision to lay the foundation for a thriving city at the center of a vibrant region.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz delivered his State of the City Address, themed around people and businesses choosing Toledo and centered on a singular North Star goal of growing the city’s population to 300,000 residents by 2045, the year Toledo will host the U.S. Open at Inverness Club.
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson delivered her State of the City Address, focused on building a thriving community where everyone can belong, outlining priorities across infrastructure, community safety, housing, street homelessness, and economic development. She emphasized a governing philosophy rooted in listening, discernment, leadership, and delivery, with a focus on collaboration and results.
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.
