ST. PETE, Fla. — St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch addressed the community at the annual State of the City address on Wednesday morning.
"2025 was a year of recovery and as we continue in 2026, the State of our City is strong, resilient and focused on continued progress," said Mayor Welch. "Our commitment to principled and inclusive progress is part of our DNA. And as our city grows and evolves, we will continue to plan and act in ways that ensure everyone can participate in and benefit from that progress."
WATCH: 'Strong, resilient and focused': St. Pete Mayor Welch holds annual State of the City address
Welch highlighted accomplishments, like storm-related repairs and investing in safer streets.
"Over the past year, we've continued the hard work of recovery, accelerating infrastructure repairs, strengthening our stormwater systems, restoring public facilities, and supporting residents and small businesses in rebuilding stronger than before," said Welch.
The mayor then zeroed in on priorities for 2026.
"With our focus on inclusive progress, our priorities include supporting new technology and innovation, moving forward on major enterprise projects including the Manhattan Casino and the Municipal Marina, preparing a $600 million referendum for water and stormwater infrastructure resilience, and continuing the housing opportunities for all program," said Welch.
Watch St. Pete State of the City address
A hot topic is housing.
Welch acknowledged across the country, housing affordability is a huge challenge. The mayor said they've made progress on a number of affordable housing projects recently.
"Right now, there are 238 workforce units and 571 affordable units under construction," said Welch. "Many of these units will come into completion before the end of the year."
Among other key measures the city said are completing Tropicana Field repairs and forging ahead on the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment project.
"The kitchen table issues that people are worried about is what we ought to be focused on and not get distracted," said Welch.
After the mayor's remarks, Tampa Bay 28 asked neighbors what they think are the big issues, pointing out everything from storm management and recovery to affordable housing and the cost of living.
"We had the two hurricanes, and there was a lot of flooding, and it seems like we're just developing and developing and developing," said Kate Ciembronowicz.
"It's expensive in St. Pete," said Matthew D'Amato. "Anywhere outside of St. Pete, it might be a better deal, but then you're having to commute into St. Pete, and then it's just a catch 22."
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Casey Albritton was the mayor’s 2025 State of the City Address, where he discussed recovery efforts after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The mayor's address was held at the Palladium Theater.
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