Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh delivered his eighth State of the City address at Grant Middle School, highlighting the city's progress and future plans. As he enters his final year in office, Walsh emphasized the importance of partnership over partisanship for continued growth.

Drawing inspiration from the Athenian Oath, Walsh stated, "On behalf of the Administration in my final year in office, I am proud to report Syracuse is 'not only not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.'"

During his speech, Walsh reviewed achievements under his leadership of the Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB), which has completed major renovations at 19 schools since 2020. He also outlined upcoming projects set to begin at several other schools with an expanded budget of $400 million.

Walsh highlighted key redevelopment projects such as transforming the former Maria Regina campus into affordable senior housing and converting Central High School into New York State's first regional STEAM high school. Additionally, efforts are underway to revitalize a long-blighted property into a new neighborhood with over 500 housing units.

The mayor provided an update on the Syracuse Housing Promise announced last year. The city aims to have 2,500 new housing units completed or underway before he leaves office; currently, they are halfway to this goal.

Despite progress made during his tenure, Walsh acknowledged ongoing challenges like poverty. "We’ve made some progress but not yet solved the vexing and heart-wrenching challenge of poverty," he said. Addressing this issue will require collaboration among government levels and private sectors.

As planning begins for Phase III of JSCB projects across multiple schools starting in late 2026 through nine years ahead—totaling approximately $450 million—Walsh remains optimistic about Syracuse’s future: “Classrooms...have been transformed into finest places for learning."

The full text can be accessed online at syr.gov/2025sotc-speech.