Economy, infrastructure key in Saffo’s State of the City

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo delivered his State of the City address Monday night. This year he focused on the economy in a big way.

The mayor said Wilmington saw a lot of growth in 2014, including in jobs and new construction, but that in 2015 the focus would have to be on accommodating that growth. He says the city is growing rapidly, and we will have to place a focus on infrastructure to make sure our city is ready for expected growth over the next 20 years.

“We are trying to incorporate all of these new citizens in our community without wrecking the place,” Saffo said. “In addition to all of the infrastructure that we are going to have to maintain. In addition to all of the revenues now that are being cut at the state level, and how do we deal with that at the local level?”

He also touched on crime noting the city’s problem with violent crime is getting worse and pledging his support to the police department in the upcoming year.

You may recall after the State of the County address last week New Hanover County spent more than $1,000 on a reception. The City of Wilmington had a reception, too, after the State of the City address. The city says the cost was $100.