The main takeaway from Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s State of the City address–other than that he loves this forum–was a theme of unity. A culture of tolerance and diversity took precedence over ongoing downtown upgrades. We get it–plus, the high-profile, developmental bragging points did not exactly go unacknowledged.
But unity is part of an emerging sub-plot. As in standing united to confront new challenges from Washington and Tallahassee.
We all know the Trump Administration’s priorities–and the need for budget reallocations to accommodate the funding of, for example, a border wall. Urban aid–in myriad ways–will take a hit.
And we know the more ideological threats now gaining momentum in the state legislature that aim to limit the powers of local government–from wireless-device placement to property tax-hike restrictions to vacation rental-law limitations.
While Mayor Bob’s legacy will be the downtown makeover he helped propel as a game-changing priority, his bully pulpit will likely play an increasing role in civic defense as well as advocacy in his remaining time in office. No one knows better than a mayor that the best government is the one closest to the people.
And Buckhorn is certainly no exception. In fact, as an I-4 Corridor player with business instincts, some friends on the other side of the aisle and no gubernatorial plans, he’s positioned to make the unfettered municipal case. One where the federal government continues its commitment to invest in America’s cities and one where the states don’t retreat on cities’ self determination.