GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss delivered her ninth and final State of the City address Thursday night.
She recapped the city's success over the past year and reflected on her tenure serving Grand Rapids residents.
Bliss, who is in her second term, cannot run for re-election. She was first elected in 2016 and her term will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
Four people have applied for the vacant position, including former two-term 3rd Ward City Commissioner Senita Lenear and former state representative David LaGrand.
LaGrand, an attorney, previously served on the Grand Rapids City Commission and Grand Rapids Public School Board. Lenear, the owner of a consulting business, also served on the Grand Rapids Public School Board, including two years as president.
Bliss previously endorsed LaGrand in his bid for mayor.
During her speech, she mentioned projects dreamed up during her tenure, like the proposed amphitheater and the Westside soccer stadium.
One of the last things Bliss said she wants to see through is the visitor-funding lodging tax that Kent County and Grand Rapids voters could approve in the August primary election.
"But I’m not done planting and nurturing seeds to continue growing our city, because I love this community, and I know you all do too," Bliss said.
Mayor Bliss said the city planted more than 13,000 trees during her time as Mayor, and that's a statistic she's proud of.
Those who attended her speech were offered a sapling to take home.
You can read Mayor Bliss' full speech here:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.