Mayor Ashcraft delivers final State of the City, cites crime declines and housing, climate gains

Mayor Marilyn Izzy Ashcraft delivered her final State of the City address to a Chamber‑hosted audience in Alameda, outlining multi‑year projects and recent results she said will shape the city’s future.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime and an incredible privilege to serve as mayor of this wonderful, vibrant city for the past eight years," Ashcraft said as she reviewed accomplishments across public safety, housing, climate and infrastructure.

Ashcraft opened by citing public‑safety gains in 2025, drawing on statistics presented by Police Chief Nishant Johi. She said the city recorded double‑digit reductions across major crime categories over two consecutive years, including a 45% drop in vehicle thefts, a 15% decline in larceny, a 14% reduction in vandalism and an 11% decline in burglaries. "Traffic enforcement with an emphasis on dangerous driving also increased in 2025 by 91%," Ashcraft said, adding that officers assigned to business districts have improved response times.

On emergency services, the mayor noted that the Fire Department placed Fireboat Neptune into service last year; the vessel can pump more than 4,000 gallons per minute and will serve Alameda and regional partners along the estuary, she said. Ashcraft also announced a forthcoming fire‑department strategic plan and a firefighter memorial at Station 3.

Housing and tenant…