NORFOLK, Va. — A year ago Mayor Kenny Alexander gave his State of the City address with a large emphasis on how the city was responding to an increase in gun violence, but this year the speech took a more general approach.
"Norfolk is thriving. In the past year, we have made significant progress from improving public safety to growing and diversifying our economy," Alexander said.
He spoke in front of the business community Friday afternoon at The Main in downtown.
Alexander said crime rates are dropping and touted how the city's police department has 34 recruits in the police academy, the most since 2019.
"We are serious about public safety. Our police department's recruitment strategy is paying off," he said.
City Manager Chip Filer recently announced Hampton Police Chief Mark Talbot is crossing the water to become the chief in Norfolk.
Filer also proposed re-investing money budgeted for police officer positions that are vacant on officer raises and technology.
News 3 wanted to ask Mayor Alexander about all of that, but he declined to make himself available to reporters following the speech.
New Councilman JP Paige said he appreciated the mayor's message.
"Of course, there's some things going on that we want to change and that we want to impact, but we have to think in terms of tomorrow, our future, and what's going to really, really stand out if what we do today to impact that," said Paige.
The mayor did talk about several businesses that have come to the city in the past year and touched on the impact of tourism.
Alexander said tourism brought in $1.7 billion in revenue in the city in 2021 and says hotel occupancy was up more than 10-percent.
"In Norfolk, we understand the power of hospitality and travel and the critical role art, culture, and tourism play in marking our city vibrant and supporting jobs and businesses," he said.
