Mayor Madden Delivers 2023 State of the City Address; Tells of Solid Plans for Final Year of Final Term
TROY, NY – Mayor Patrick Madden, as he begins the final year of his tenure as Mayor of Troy, will use his 2023 State of the City Address to emphasize that fiscal discipline and truthful, realistic budgeting is how Troy will move forward with confidence in a culture of success. Madden, who is term limited and cannot run for re-election in November, believes that his administration has been a responsible steward of the city’s assets, striving to get the city in a better position to reinvest in the long-neglected infrastructure and public spaces.
“The reliable network of infrastructure is essential to the long-term health, growth and vitality of our city,” said Madden’s prepared text. Investments in infrastructure lay the groundwork for economic development, and since taking office in 2016 the Madden Administration has issued over 5,100 building permits, equating to over $531 million in development. The Address states, “Our fiscal discipline coupled with our commitment to responsibly maintain our infrastructure gives confidence to those seeking to invest private dollars in our community.”
It should be noted that the Address takes place on the same day that Troy’s Public Utilities Department begins the complex switching of the water flow from old water service line from the Tomhannok Reservoir through 8 miles of new pipe to Troy’s water treatment plant. The 21 million gallons of water delivered to more than 135,000 customers in Troy and 8 other communities daily is an example of responsible investment in protecting natural resources and meeting high quality standards for drinking water safety.
Madden’s Address also states, “As important as what we leave the next generation is what we don’t leave them.” Madden will describe the many ways Troy is tackling trash, diverting waste from landfills, preventing sewer overflow into the Hudson River, saving taxpayer dollars and energy with LED streetlights and implementing the first publicly-owned/non-campus district geothermal network in the country.
In his comments about public safety, the Mayor will reflect on the death of Mr.Tyre Nichols in Memphis earlier this month and how better and safer outcomes when residents interact with officers is a goal he shares with his department leaders. The Mayor will praise recent advancements in specialized areas of expertise such as mental health responses and hazardous waste management. The Mayor will reflect upon an 11% increase in call volume to our Fire Department and that Troy, like departments nationwide, are struggling to fill vacant positions. The Mayor acted to address the staffing shortage by waiving the exam fee and providing for paramedic certification after hiring instead of candidates having to pay for and support the arduous training on their own time. The tactics appear to have helped and about 140 individuals have signed up to take the next NYS firefight exam in Troy later this month.
The Mayor will acknowledge his partnership with the federal and state leaders who prioritize infrastructure, heritage and historic preservation, public art and environmental sustainability. He will thank community leaders who tirelessly work to improve the quality of life in Troy’s neighborhoods and parks. He will thank the residents for their confidence in him as he worked not to pass the cost of inflation and materials onto the taxpayers and still mill and pave roads and upgrade the wiring that is needed to support the LED streetlights.
The full text of the speech is available here .
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