Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman marked his first State of the City address with a comprehensive plan dubbed "Elevate Mesa." The initiative aims to change the city's trajectory, making it a top-tier destination by tapping into its historical roots and present potential. In a speech that seemed to draw a map of Mesa's future with economic opportunity, public safety, and citywide enhancements as milestones, Freeman expressed his commitment to growth strategies that would benefit all residents.
"We need to grow in a way that makes life better for everyone - protecting what makes our city special while creating new opportunities," Freeman explained in a statement obtained by MesaNow. He focused on aggressively investing in areas to bolster neighborhoods, underpin local businesses, and ensure the city prospers for upcoming generations. The address highlighted various efforts, including a significant decline in crime rates by nearly 40% over the past decade, proudly positioning Mesa as one of America's safest large cities.
Addressing Mesa's approach to natural resource management, particularly water, Freeman touted the Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline, an infrastructure initiative increasing the city's water supply by 12,000 acre-feet annually, further cementing Mesa's preparedness for long-term water security. The mayor also underscored Mesa's financial prudence, noting its status as a full-service city sans a primary property or food tax, which allows the delivery of high-quality services with costs lower than those of neighboring areas.
The mayor took care to point out the educational strengths of Mesa, highlighting the 60th anniversary of Mesa Community College and underlining a young and skilled workforce as fuel for the city's economic engine. MesaNow reported that the city added 2,625 new jobs in FY2024 and has already placed to exceeded this number in 2025 with 2,383 new jobs, $2.39 billion in investment, and an average wage of $66,000.
Freeman also spotlighted the city's urban renewal efforts, mentioning programs like the Downtown Façade Improvement Program and fresh attractions such as the Neon Garden, which injects vitality into Mesa's heart. The evolving housing, cultural, and commercial dynamics within the Asian District and Southeast Mesa reflect a city amid transformative growth. "We must ensure that as we expand, we stay true to what makes Mesa specialpreserving our identity, our culture, and our way of life while embracing innovation and progress," said Freeman, as echoed by MesaNow.
