State of the City Address
Encyclopedia
The State of the City Address - or State of the City Speech - is a speech customarily given once each year by the mayor
s of many cities in the United States and Canada. Other international cities have also adopted the tradition; for example, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg
has delivered a State of the City Address since 2002. In the City of Corning, New York the "State of the City Address" has been replaced by the "Status of the Administration Address" given by the City Manager who serves as the City's Chief Executive Officer rather than the Mayor.
The timing, venue and purpose of a State of the City Address can vary significantly depending on local history and practice. Most State of the City Addresses are held early in the calendar year, but some mayors deliver their address as late as December of each year. In many American and Canadian cities, by law or tradition, the State of the City Address is delivered to the city council
of the city. Just as often, the presentation is given to - or even given at the invitation of - members of a local business organization or a prominent local charity. Either way, the Address is usually used to outline the mayor's legislative proposals and policy directions for the upcoming year.
The analogous address given by the President of the United States
is known as the State of the Union Address
and the address given by a governor of U.S. state
is known as the State of the State address
.
Since Canadian provincial legislatures and the Parliament of Canada
begin legislative sessions with a Speech from the Throne
delivered on the government's behalf by the Lieutenant-Governor (Canada) or the Governor-General of Canada, there is no formal equivalent for the federal government or regional governments in the Canadian system. However, on occasion, local business organizations have invited their province's Premier
to deliver a State of the Province Address.
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
s of many cities in the United States and Canada. Other international cities have also adopted the tradition; for example, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
has delivered a State of the City Address since 2002. In the City of Corning, New York the "State of the City Address" has been replaced by the "Status of the Administration Address" given by the City Manager who serves as the City's Chief Executive Officer rather than the Mayor.
The timing, venue and purpose of a State of the City Address can vary significantly depending on local history and practice. Most State of the City Addresses are held early in the calendar year, but some mayors deliver their address as late as December of each year. In many American and Canadian cities, by law or tradition, the State of the City Address is delivered to the city council
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
of the city. Just as often, the presentation is given to - or even given at the invitation of - members of a local business organization or a prominent local charity. Either way, the Address is usually used to outline the mayor's legislative proposals and policy directions for the upcoming year.
The analogous address given by the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
is known as the State of the Union Address
State of the Union Address
The State of the Union is an annual address presented by the President of the United States to the United States Congress. The address not only reports on the condition of the nation but also allows the president to outline his legislative agenda and his national priorities.The practice arises...
and the address given by a governor of U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
is known as the State of the State address
State of the State Address
The State of the State Address is a speech customarily given once each year by the governors of most states of the United States. The speech is customarily delivered before both houses of the state legislature sitting in joint session, with the exception of the Nebraska Legislature, which is a...
.
Since Canadian provincial legislatures and the Parliament of Canada
Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada is the federal legislative branch of Canada, seated at Parliament Hill in the national capital, Ottawa. Formally, the body consists of the Canadian monarch—represented by her governor general—the Senate, and the House of Commons, each element having its own officers and...
begin legislative sessions with a Speech from the Throne
Speech from the Throne
A speech from the throne is an event in certain monarchies in which the reigning sovereign reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming session...
delivered on the government's behalf by the Lieutenant-Governor (Canada) or the Governor-General of Canada, there is no formal equivalent for the federal government or regional governments in the Canadian system. However, on occasion, local business organizations have invited their province's Premier
Premier
Premier is a title for the head of government in some countries and states.-Examples by country:In many nations, "premier" is used interchangeably with "prime minister"...
to deliver a State of the Province Address.