Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard delivered her State of the City speech just shy of one month after a 14-year-old was fatally shot. The tragic incident led to increased calls for more public safety measures.

The mayor delivered her fourth State of the City from Allen Memorial Church of God In Christ.

In her speech, Mayor Patterson-Howard highlighted a public safety plan, updated the city's financial standing, discussed infrastructure investments, and presented a look at future projects.

Earlier Tuesday, concerned citizens held a rally calling for a state of emergency so the city could receive the resources needed to address crime. 

In response to the rally, Mayor Patterson-Howard stated that she shared similar concerns with the residents and aimed to address these issues in her speech.