Mayor Wanda Williams gave her State of the City address on Wednesday at the Hilton Harrisburg. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Schwind of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber.)
To a room full of Harrisburg business owners, politicians and professionals, Mayor Wanda Williams declared that the state of the city “is full of excitement and progress.”
Williams shared recent financial, infrastructure and safety improvements, among other city accomplishments, during the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s annual “State of the City” address on Wednesday at the Hilton Harrisburg.
Williams, who is in her second year as mayor, highlighted Harrisburg’s financial state, touting the city’s final payoff of what was $20 million in debt to bond insurer Ambac Assurance, in March.
“The city of Harrisburg’s debt nightmare is over,” Williams said, stating that the payoff is an accomplishment she is “maybe most proud of.”
With the freed-up budget funds that formerly went to debt repayment, the city plans to invest in infrastructure improvements, road safety improvements and park modernization projects, she said.
Additionally, she said that the city will likely soon be in a position to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities.
The city also finished allocating the remainder of its $47 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. That money will go towards supporting affordable housing development, the renovation of Hall Manor pool, and home repairs for low-income and elderly residents, among other projects.
In addition to those federal funds, within the past year, Harrisburg received $13 million to support renovations of four city parks. Currently, city officials are developing plans, following a several-month-long public comment period.
“When our children are out playing in our new playgrounds, it will be a beautiful sight to see,” Williams said.
Williams also brought up the tragic July fire at the Broad Street Market, stating that the market’s scorched brick building will be restored and highlighting the support from state and county officials. In the meantime, a temporary market location for displaced vendors is “days away” from being ready to open, she said.
Harrisburg also is re-emerging as a cultural and business destination, according to Williams, who shared that the city will release an economic development plan in the coming weeks.
“We will transform Harrisburg’s future through equity and inclusion, access to healthcare services, supporting our local artists, and realizing that strengthening our culture is a keystone of small business growth,” she said.
However, according to Williams, small business growth is already taking place. She noted that 635 business licenses were issued in 2022, the greatest number in a dozen years.
One of Williams’ top priorities in office has been increasing affordable housing options in the city. On Wednesday, she applauded local developers like Vice Capital, Fernandez Realty and RB Development for working to bring affordable apartment projects to Harrisburg.
Lastly, Williams shared how the city is becoming safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors.
The Harrisburg Police Bureau has solved 18 of the 22 homicides from 2022, she said, and this year, shooting deaths have decreased significantly. Additionally, due to the work of the Fire Bureau, no one has died from a fire since the start of 2022.
Stating that she’s pledged to be a “mayor for everyone,” Williams said she has an open-door policy on Fridays and has met with nearly 200 community members in the past year. Additionally, the city’s special events, like Kipona and Artsfest, are back to pre-pandemic attendance levels, she said.
“My friends, our best days are ahead of us, because for the first time in years, all of us in this room have a shared vision together,” Williams said, in conclusion. “My administration is excited to lead.”
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