Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh delivered his final State of the City address on Thursday, outlining his vision for his last year in office. 

Speaking at Grant Middle School, Walsh highlighted progress from the past as the city gets set to select a new mayor this year.

He focused on community projects, like the opening of the new STEAM school, and the future redevelopment of the former Syracuse Developmental Center and Maria Regina campus.

Walsh looked at programs like Syracuse Surge, building and housing strategy, and how he said they helped boost the economy. He also mentioned decreasing chronic absentee numbers and improving facilities at Syracuse schools.

The mayor said they are on track to fulfill his promise of building 2,500 new housing units by the end of his tenure as the city looks to build up its housing stock.

He pledged to stay ahead of guidelines on lead service pipes and work to replace the old infrastructure before the 10-year mandate.

Walsh reflected on his time in office.

"I believe we’ve shown, though, that rising above is the only sure way to achieve what may feel like the impossible. When we continue to avoid partisan bickering, steer clear of revenge politics, turn the other cheek and choose partnership, we will find Syracuse’s best days are still ahead of us," he said.

In an annual report, Walsh said his administration worked to further four objectives in 2024: achieving fiscal sustainability; increasing economic investment and neighborhood stability; "quality" engagement with and response to citizens; and efficient, effective and equitable city services.

The report touts the city's A1 municipal bond rating from Moody's, as well as its "Syracuse Surge" strategy for economic investment. Crime rates are also touted, with the report saying 2024 brought drops in gun crimes "in every major category," while pushing efforts in both Syracuse and Central New York to curb gun violence.