Mayor's Report to Citizens

On July 13th, 2009 Mayor Jill Kirkonis delivered her State of the City Address to citizens at the Cleveland Civic Center.  View the Mayor's 2009 State of the City Address in adobe PDF format.  Also click on the link below to view the presentation slides shown with her public address.

2009 State of the City Presentation Slides - Will open presentation in new browser window.  Use arrows at bottom of window to navigate through the presentation.

Mayor's Message

As Mayor, I agree with the pundit that says that Cleveland is what a hometown should be!

We enjoy a small-town comradery that's simply not found in a larger city.  I love that I run into friends everywhere I go: I'm greeted by name at the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank and cleaners, the movie theater, my church and any number of restaurants and retail establishments.  What a plus to be able to reach any of those places within just five minutes of my home.

Within forty-five minutes (discounting the Houston traffic) I can reach an international airport, one of our nation's largest and most-respected medical centers, several professional sports complexes, a first-rate museum and theater district, world-famous shopping, and literally thousands of restaurants representing every world cuisine.  The best part is being able to return to Cleveland, where life is a little less hectic and certainly the traffic moves more freely.

Our City facilities are among the finest anywhere.  We are enjoying a new City Hall, a recently renovated library, expanded Fire & EMS buildings, and a spacious Civic Center designed to handle small parties to large conventions.  New equipment has been provided in City parks, with significant additions in our Police, Public Works, and other departments.  The Cleveland Municipal Airport, just a few miles east of town, provides service for small aircraft, outside Bush Intercontinental's flight pattern.

We are proud of our City services.  Our capable police force has received a shot in the arm with the hiring of a new police chief and promotions from within to fill key supervisory positions.  Our Fire Department's paid employees are reinforced by a group of well-trained, caring volunteers.  Our Public Works employees service our Water & Sewer Departments, our streets, our parks, and our cemeteries.  Our Sanitation service is provided through a contract with Waste Management, Inc., who does an outstanding job.  Our library offers the latest in computer technology and internet access, along with volumes of books and audiovisuals.  And, as always, the staff a City Hall stands ready to serve you with considerable expertise anda ready smile.

Yes, I'm Proud to call Cleveland my hometown!

Sincerely,

Mayor, Jill Kirkonis