It's that time of year again. Mayors across Massachusetts are addressing constituents in their annual State of the City addresses — whether it be for their first time, like in Cambridge, or their ninth, like in Somerville — to recap the city's accomplishments from the past year and look forward at what's to come in 2020.
Here are five of this year's State of the City speeches:
Boston
Mayor Marty Walsh rang in his second term at Boston Symphony Hall on Tuesday where he announced plans to more than quadruple spending on housing in Boston. He said he intends to invest some $500 million over five years, though full funding of the plan remains contingent on approval from state legislators.
Read more: Walsh Presents $500M Housing Plan — But Will Need State Support To Fund It
Watch Walsh's full speech:
Cambridge
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, who became the city's first Muslim mayor when she was inaugurated on Monday, cited her parents, who immigrated from Pakistan when Siddiqui was a child, as her inspiration and motivation for becoming a public servant.
"Theirs is, without a doubt, the greatest example of service I will ever know. To me, their effort is heroic. And there are countless stories like it here in Cambridge," Siddiqui said.
Watch Siddiqui's full speech:
The City of Cambridge
Somerville
Mayor Joseph Curtatone marked the beginning of his ninth term on Monday. He spoke about a range of issues facing Somerville in his address, including housing, climate change and health care.
"Here’s what I can promise you over the next two years. I promise you exhaustion. I promise you the issues we’re trying to tackle will involve human stories that will break your heart. I promise you that change will not come easy. But I also promise you we will make a difference in these 4.1 square miles we call home," Curtatone said.
Watch Curtatone's full speech:
Springfield
Mayor Domenic Sarno delivered his fifth inaugural address on Monday and highlighted some of the city's accomplishments from the past year, including the accumulation of $49 million in reserves and improving the quality of public education in Springfield's schools.
"As I begin my 13th year as your mayor, don’t expect to see any letup in my fierce drive for improvement in every dimension of our civic life," Sarno said. "I may be starting to show just a little bit of gray hair, but my love for this city and my love for this job burns brighter than ever before."
Read Sarno's full speech:
The City of Springfield
Worcester
Mayor Joseph Petty also began his fifth term this year, and gave his State of the City address on Jan. 2. Petty called for a 24-hour customer service line within the city to increase transparency, and spoke to a range of other issues, including development and housing.
"I have stood on this stage every two years since 1998 and sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and to serve the people of Worcester. Just as in 1998, the work before us is great and it remains an honor to serve," Petty said.
Read Petty's full speech:
The City of Worcester