State of the Town Speech

How to Write the State-of-the-Town Speech

David Murray | Posted 04.23.2012

David Murray

State-of-the-town speeches exploded during the housing boom, when mayors could describe the growth in the tax base and bask in the glow. After everything went to hell in 2008, mayors would probably have preferred to skip the speech.

How to Know the Real State of the Union: By Reading the State-of-the-Village Speeches

David Murray | Posted 05.25.2011

David Murray

America's mayors, in their annual state of the village speeches at local libraries, chambers of commerce and community centers, are compelled to keep it real.