RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell delivered her State of City address, outlining her vision for the city over the next two years on Wednesday night at the city’s convention center.

She paid homage to the city's history while highlighting things she would like to tackle while in office.

What You Need To Know

  •  Mayor Janet Cowell delivered the State of the City address on Wednesday

  •  She said she wants to tackle affordable housing, transportation, quality of life improvements and public safety

  •  Cowell said the city has a 37,000-unit shortage in housing 

Cowell talked about the need for affordable housing, transportation, quality of life improvements and public safety.

Raleigh has a 37,000-housing-unit shortage and high rent, she said, adding that she wants to fix it.

“We're also working on the Raleigh Housing Authority, getting bonding capacity so they can be even more proactive at building more units,” she said.

She said that changes are needed in law enforcement funding and that it would be in her budget proposal later this year.

In addition to sharing her plans for the city, Cowell touched on the city council's accomplishments in its first 100 days, particularly on the city's diversity and the strategic planning to try to better the region.

“It’s been fascinating to see what’s going on behind the scenes in our own community,” she said.

During her first State of the City address, Cowell said she wanted to improve and preserve the city she calls home.