2025 State of the City Address

The 2025 State of the City Address for the City of Brookings, delivered on February 25, 2026, highlighted the city's strategic investments and infrastructure improvements following a significant downtown fire in late 2024. Key procurement-related initiatives included the launch of downtown incentive programs with a $140,000 reinvestment in local businesses, the creation of multiple tax increment financing districts to support workforce housing and sustainable development, and the allocation of $18.5 million reserved for the construction of new police and fire stations. The city also completed various capital improvement projects such as street maintenance using innovative slurry sealing, sidewalk and drainage upgrades, intersection improvements, and airport taxiway expansions. Additionally, the city invested in digital modernization efforts, including new software systems to enhance transparency and performance tracking. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to rebuilding, growth, and modernization, emphasizing partnerships with private developers and community engagement.