Mayor outlines public-safety, infrastructure and economic investments in Kettering State of the City address

The mayor delivered the State of the City address, emphasizing fiscal discipline, public-safety investments and long-range planning for Kettering in 2026. The remarks listed awards, staffing changes, capital purchases and community programs intended to bolster safety, economic opportunity and quality of life.

The mayor said the finance department earned its 43rd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and a distinguished budget presentation award for the 40th consecutive year, as well as an Ohio Auditor of State award with distinction, calling those recognitions "proof that even in challenging times, we maintain rigorous financial standards and transparency." The address noted a pilot in the income tax division to allow tax professionals to file electronically for clients.

On public safety, the mayor highlighted upgrades in both police and fire services. He said the police department added several drones to its unmanned aerial vehicle program, purchased a new SWAT transport vehicle and hosted regional trainings; the department also completed a reaccreditation inspection. "When someone calls 911, they're having the worst moment of their day," the mayor said, stressing the city's focus on training and technology. The fire department earned recognition for heart attack response for an eighth consecutive year, took delivery of engine 36 and a road-rescue medic unit, and planned further purchases including a new medic unit and replacement radios.

The address framed economic development as a broad, ongoing effort. The mayor listed redevelopment and blight-removal projects (former Papedito's restaurant, the Kawasaki building, the Viran Tap Room) and highlighted the Barnes redevelopment: a historic building set to be converted into a small-business and entrepreneur hub in partnership with Kettering City Schools, Cohatch, the Kettering Development Corporation and the Chevitz Foundation, with construction beginning in 2026. He said small businesses in Kettering collectively created roughly 100 new jobs in 2025 and noted 11 business owners participated in a microenterprise assistance program that included education and forgivable-loan opportunities.

Infrastructure work in 2025 totaled more than $11 million for roads, sidewalks and stormwater systems, the mayor said. Major projects included resurfacing Dorothy Lane (from South Dixie Highway to Heg Avenue) supported by $1.5 million in federal funds and a partnership with ODOT on State Route 835 and State Route 48 resurfacing (about $2.1 million). The city installed ADA curb ramps on Stroop Road and added sidewalk on West Stroop Road supported by roughly $340,000 in federal funds.

On planning, the mayor referenced a city-council-approved 16-month moratorium on new gas stations along commercial corridors (approved August 2024) designed to allow time to complete a 20-year comprehensive land-use plan that reflects resident input. He described the moratorium as a pause to inform a community-driven strategic plan rather than a permanent policy change.

Senior services and community programs were highlighted with metrics and grants. The mayor said senior-services coordinator Natalie Storms assisted 414 residents in 2025 with 1,784 direct contacts, nearly 400 home visits and more than 1,000 phone calls. The city received multiple awards and a $16,000 Miami Valley Age Friendly Grant to support ADA improvements at the Charles Iram Senior Center and plans a range of 2026 events including a professionals roundtable and a community-development vendor fair.

The mayor described cultural-arts and parks investments: Lam Garden Plaza at Indian Riffle Park opened with new amenities; Governor's Place received a major renovation; signature events and arts programs saw increased participation (the address cited nearly a 50% increase in year-to-date enrollments at Rosewood between 2023 and 2025). Sustainability initiatives included a new sustainability office website, event recycling and new drop-off and composting locations at Indian Riffle Park; the city also partnered with the Little Miami Watershed Network for cleanups and plans a comprehensive sustainability plan aligned with master-plan updates.

Volunteer engagement drew a separate emphasis: the mayor said over 400 volunteers donated 14,500 hours in 2025 across programs like Make a Difference Day and Neighborhood Pride and announced expanded outreach to recruit more volunteers in 2026.

The mayor closed by inviting residents to America's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026, thanking city council, staff and volunteers, and reiterating a commitment to infrastructure, public safety and community-driven planning going forward.