A mayor speech is a seven to nine minute persuasive speech that highlights the challenges of a city and calls on citizens to help them solve those problems. In the United States, a mayor is generally elected directly through a local-government election or appointed by council. They are ceremonial figureheads of the council and may make decisions between meetings with approval from council. They are styled “His or Her Worship” whilst in office and may wear a mace and chain.
This year, mayors spoke about a range of issues including the need to increase civic engagement, efforts to improve the quality of local schools and programs that promote financial stability. Mayors also addressed national issues that affect their cities such as the Trump administration’s policy on birthright citizenship and the fight against climate change.
In the area of social services, mayors focused on blight and homelessness. They talked about reducing the number of people living on the streets through investments such as 900 new Safe Haven shelter beds and a program to connect unhoused expectant mothers with homes. They also addressed the broader issue of homelessness by announcing plans to increase housing affordability and expand youth initiatives.
Many cities also discussed the need to invest in their infrastructure. They emphasized the need for communities to improve their broadband and internet connections as well as their water and sewer systems. There was also a growing interest in renewable energy as mayors pledged to support community solar power projects and to convert their municipal buildings to green energy. Finally, opportunity zones was another emerging topic as cities discussed how they could leverage federal funds to boost economic development.