A mayor is a chief executive officer, usually elected, of a municipal government. In some systems of local governance, such as council-manager, the mayor serves a ceremonial role, and may not have much power beyond carrying out the council’s decisions between meetings. The term may also be applied to the highest executive officials in some types of parliamentary democracy, where they are known as a mayor (plural: mayors) or a town mayor. In Australia, the term mayor is used to refer to members of municipal councils who have been elected by direct universal suffrage in local elections. Those who are elected by council to serve as mayors typically wear ceremonial robes and chains, and are addressed as His/Her Worship.
A common element in most mayor speeches is an overview of current city priorities and projects, including infrastructure needs, economic development and housing. This year, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka focused on building “a thriving and prosperous city” that is open to all.
In the same speech, New York City Mayor Eric Adams promised 900 new safe haven beds, a pilot program to connect expectant parents seeking shelter with homes and an expansion of a workforce development initiative. Adams also championed his City of Yes zoning reforms and urged local leaders to work together to increase affordable housing for families.
Increasingly, Mayors are addressing national issues that impact their communities. This includes addressing the Trump administration’s policy on birthright citizenship, expressing views on immigration and urging support for efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.