When 160 Mayors Talk About the State of the City

An annual report aggregates the State of the City speeches of mayors all over the country.

1 minute read

June 2, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Baltimore City Hall

digidreamgrafix / Shutterstock

The National League of Cities this week released their annual analysis of the "State of the City" addresses from 160 U.S. cities. This year the analysis finds mayor talking first and foremost about economic development, followed closely by infrastructure, and then budgets and management. Economic development has been the leading talking point of state of the city addresses for five consecutive years now.

An article by Nicole Flatlow provides additional commentary on the report's insight into the milieu of city governance. One theme that has emerged in prominence is the relationship of city governments to state and federal levels of government.

To compare this year's report with previous editions, see Planetizen coverage from 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 in National League Of Cities

View of small-town street with brick buildings and cars parked in diagonal parking with string lights going across street in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates

The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

September 14, 2023 - Next City

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

September 14, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Sidewalk in Seattle with yellow fall leaves on the ground and cars parked next to the curb.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets

Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

September 24 - The Urbanist

View of San Francisco neighborhood from top of hill with misty bay in background.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance

After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

September 24 - SF Standard

Woman wearing helmet riding POGOH bike share bike in bike lane in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet

The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.

September 24 - Pittsburgh Magazine