America’s Mayors: President Obama Understands the Needs of the American People

Following the President’s State of the Union address, mayors across the country spoke out about the vision the President laid out for an America built to last.

U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Los Angeles, California Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

“In his address tonight, President Obama showed the country that he will keep fighting for the investments we need to turn our economy around. At its heart, the speech was about renewing the basic bargain with the American middle class, especially those looking for work or struggling to pay their mortgage. Now it’s Congress’ turn. Congress needs to do its job.”

San Francisco, California Mayor Ed Lee

“In tonight’s State of the Union Address, President Obama underscored his commitment to strengthening the American economy by creating good jobs and opportunity for every family. Here in San Francisco, job creation remains my highest priority. We’re making progress getting people back to work in our small businesses and in construction jobs through millions of dollars in investment in our own San Francisco infrastructure.”

Denver, Colorado Mayor Michael Hancock

“What President Obama presented to the American people tonight was a blueprint for moving our country forward at this critical moment. By focusing on innovation, on common-sense solutions and on the things that matter most – job creation, workforce development and housing – we can set the course of our nation right once more.”

New Orleans, Louisiana Mayor Mitch Landrieu

“Last week, when I met with President Obama, he committed to continuing to rebuild the American economy by focusing on American manufacturing, American energy, education and skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values like support for the middle class.  Tonight, President Obama demonstrated that he understands the needs of the American people and specifically those of us in cities across our country.” 

Flint, Michigan Mayor Dayne Walling

“President Obama outlined a clear vision to create jobs and build an economy built to last. A strong economy is a top priority for Flint’s businesses, families and students. It is good news for Flint and Michigan that American workers and manufacturing are at the core of the President’s plan. President Obama’s new proposals to reward companies that create jobs in communities affected by plant closings will help attract businesses to Flint and Michigan. This is the foundation we need for a strong community and country.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota Mayor R.T. Rybak

“After inheriting an economic catastrophe, President Obama has delivered 22 straight months of private-sector job growth. Mayors across the country have benefited from his leadership in putting cops on the street, teachers in the classroom and unemployed workers back on the job — including in the auto industry, which made one million more cars last year because of the President’s bold leadership."

Cincinnati, Ohio Mayor Mark Mallory

"The President's speech is right on track.  His focus on manufacturing, the creation of jobs, and education is the right formula to continue to grow the economy.  The middle class is the backbone of the American economy, and the President is doing the right things to support the middle class." 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mayor Michael Nutter

“I applaud President Obama’s determination to strengthen the economy, create family-sustaining jobs, and reaffirm America’s commitment to the middle class. As the President emphasized, we need to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, invest in education, and ensure a fair opportunity for all Americans to succeed. Millions of Americans are still hurting, and job creation is imperative.”

Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin

“Too often our political debate is dominated by those who score cheap points by endorsing greed and demonizing public service. But while others praise the past of recklessness and divisiveness which brought our nation to the brink of collapse, President Obama offers a way forward that creates jobs, rebuilds our infrastructure and restores our middle-class values of fairness and responsibility.”

Find out more about the State of the Union Address, read the President's Blueprint for an America Built to Last and see who joined the First Lady to watch the Address.