Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley State of the City Address 2024

The City of Flint's 2024 State of the City Address, delivered by Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley, highlighted significant procurement and investment initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city. Key procurement-related topics included major infrastructure projects such as over $400 million dedicated to the I-475 highway project, extensive local road repaving, and the largest demolition project in Flint's history funded through partnerships including the Genesee County Land Bank and American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars. The city also invested approximately $4 million in new recycling and trash carts for all residential households, supported by grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Recycling Partnership, and Dow Chemical. Public safety enhancements included the purchase of three new ambulances funded by opioid settlement and ARP funds to reduce emergency medical response times. Additionally, the city is investing in park upgrades, sidewalk restorations, and housing programs supported by HUD and ARP funds. Economic development efforts featured a $300 million investment by Ashley Capital in redeveloping the historic Buick City site and a $60 million federal Department of Energy grant awarded to Nanograph for a new manufacturing facility. The address also noted increased funding for the HOPE program to assist seniors with property taxes and highlighted ongoing partnerships with philanthropic organizations and state and federal delegations to secure over $2 billion in investments over the past three years. These initiatives collectively demonstrate Flint's strategic use of public funds and grants to improve infrastructure, public safety, housing, and economic opportunities for residents.