Leading Mayors In America Weigh In On Our Future

Analyzing the “State of the City” speeches from urban leaders across the country gives a sense of the challenges and opportunities.

 

9. Demographics (mentioned in 21% of speeches)

Mayors countered national anti-immigration fervor with positive statements about the diversity of their communities. Many sought to contrast the nation’s discordant and acrimonious politics with the consensus building in cities—noting the welcoming nature of their communities, taking pride in cultural diversity, and celebrating the broad tableau of American society.

 

8. Health (mentioned in 23% of speeches)

Mayors are addressing the opioid crisis and trying to create a culture of health. The opioid crisis continues to be a major topic of concern in cities nationwide, with mayors assessing policies aimed at addressing the epidemic. Additionally, there is a much stronger focus on creating a culture of health in cities, as leaders consider how the environment greatly affects health outcomes.

 

7. Energy and Environment (mentioned in 24% of speeches)

In many areas of the country, building resiliency against climate change is no longer a desire but a necessity, and mayors are planning accordingly. We are seeing cities embrace clean and renewable energy sources to protect the environment, save money, and usher in a clean energy future.

 

6. Education (mentioned in 36% of speeches)

Cities are devoted to preparing the workforce of the future. Mayors generally lack direct oversight powers over school systems, therefore many cities coordinate programs that engage children in activities outside of traditional schooling. From expanding after-school options to summer internship and job programs, city leaders are seeking to prepare the next generation for fulfilling careers.

 

5. Housing (mentioned in 42% of speeches)

Affordable housing, homelessness, and zoning ordinances are top of mind for mayors. Cities of all sizes, and especially our largest cities, are grappling with rampant challenges around affordable housing. Mayors are also leading collaborative efforts with nonprofits to address homelessness and looking to change zoning policies to help alleviate housing problems.

 

4. Budgets (mentioned in 43% of speeches)

After years of slow recovery, cities are much more fiscally stable. Cities are now able to make critical investments that languished during the downturn. However, this environment is challenged due to the reliance of cities on state and federal grants. Many leaders are wary, though, of the signals being sent from the federal and state level on these key shared partnerships for success.

 

3. Infrastructure (mentioned in 43% of speeches)

With improved finances, cities can now begin to afford to address maintenance issues with roads, transit, and other infrastructure. Cities across the country voted overwhelmingly to support transit investment referenda in the last election as well, and this coupled with better bond ratings for many cities creates opportunity. At the same time, active transportation infrastructure–from bike lanes to hiking trails–continues to be a popular issue in cities.

 

2. Public Safety (mentioned in 64% of speeches)

Cities are investing in public safety infrastructure and human capital. We saw an increased focus on investments in police departments, with cities enlarging or at least returning their forces to fully staffed levels. Further, with tensions between police officers and the communities they serve receiving greater press attention, cities have been increasing officer training and investing in technology like body cameras to foster transparency and trust.

 

1. Economic Development (mentioned in 66% of speeches)

Mayors typically kick off their addresses with economic growth taking center stage, with a particular focus on the number of jobs created and developments breaking ground in the community. This year, mayors increasingly reported wages and employment rates rising to levels not seen since before the Great Recession. However, this growth–while broadly reported–has not been equal among or within cities. As a result, economic inclusiveness is a major priority, with cities rethinking how to use economic development funds and investing in workforce development initiatives.

 

This feature originally appeared in Fast Company.