Hartford’s mayor delivers his final ‘State of City’ address

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Hartford’s mayor delivered his final State of the City address to city councilors on Monday night.

Mayor Luke Bronin highlighted the city’s progress over the last 7 years.

You can watch it below:

Some of the big topics include housing related issues, economic development, and opportunities for youth in the city.

Back in November, Bronin announced he would not be seeking re-election so this is his final year in office.

On Monday, Bronin delivered his recommended budget for the 2024 fiscal year to city council.

It’s a $619 million proposal and the mayor highlighted some key parts during his address.

The budget includes an expanded property tax credit for senior citizens, and it also includes expanded hours and programming at the city’s libraries and recreational centers.

The mayor also touched on the work underway to support Hartford’s recovery and progress from the pandemic.

Bronin touched on efforts to improve quality and accessible housing. That includes presenting a budget with more housing inspectors.

“Whoever stands at this podium next year will have lots to do. The progress we’ve made is real, but fragile. And our city faces plenty of challenges, some of them tougher than ever since the pandemic turned the world upside down. But I’ve never been more confident about Hartford’s future, so long as we stay disciplined, make hard choices, confront threats honestly and transparently and with courage, and are bold enough stay the course we’ve set these last eight years,” Bronin said.

Bronin ended by saying he has never been more optimistic about Hartford’s future. He said in the meantime his administration still has a lot of work to do.

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