Suffolk, Va. (WTKR) - Mayor Linda Johnson delivered the annual Suffolk State of the City Address Tuesday afternoon.
The speech took place at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center.
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce presented the annual address.
During the speech, Mayor Johnson highlighted recent economic growth in Suffolk, including more than 90 businesses that expanded or opened, creating 1,868 new jobs in 2015.
"It's very important to us, in fact I would say that's the lifeline because that's what makes people want to be here. It certainly makes people to be able to take care of their families, make them happier people and just do better for the community," Johnson told NewsChannel 3's Todd Corillo after the speech.
The Mayor also highlighted population growth in Suffolk. 90,426 people called Suffolk home in 2015, a figure that's expected to grow to 132,187 in the year 2040.
"Suffolk is definitely growing and that's why we have to be prepared and we have to be ready with the infrastructure and make sure we pretty much plan for it and know where it needs to go," Mayor Johnson commented.
See our coverage from other State of the City addresses in Hampton Roads:
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