A mayor speech is a seven to nine minute persuasive speech that highlights the challenges that the city is facing and calls for citizens to help them solve those problems. It is the most important event that the Mayor will host during his or her term in office. In most cities, the Mayor is directly elected by the public in a local-government election or is appointed by the council. The Mayor is the ceremonial figurehead for the council and may make decisions between meetings with approval of the council. Mayors are often styled “His or Her Worship” whilst holding the office and wear a chain and mace.
In recent years, Mayors have been highlighting the need for civic engagement, efforts to improve the quality of local schools and programs designed to promote financial stability. In addition, they have been calling for residents to use ridesharing services as a way to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and fuel costs.
Many Mayors have also been discussing national issues that impact their communities. This includes addressing the Trump administration’s policy on birthright citizenship, expressing views on immigration and urging support for efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Increasingly, Mayors are seeking to work with their upper levels of government to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects such as traffic mitigation plans.