Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen’s 2026 State of the City address is now available to watch online.

When Andersen joined the City Council nine years ago, she had one big goal: build a new community pool. Now, with the pool open and her time on the Council drawing to a close, her October 15 address explores how her perspective on Piedmont has changed – and what she’s learned about the work, people, and decisions that shape the city.

Andersen shares some of the insights she’s taking away from seeing City operations up close, including her awe at the volume of behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering the high quality services residents rely on every day.

She also speaks frankly about the challenges facing Piedmont, from limited financial resources and aging infrastructure to growing demands on City services. Despite these, her message is ultimately one of optimism, grounded in what she has seen the Piedmont community accomplish when elected leaders, engaged residents, and City staff work together.

Explore City accomplishments from the past year

One of the central themes of Andersen’s address was how much of the important work happening across City government goes unseen. A brochure shared at the event highlights accomplishments from FY2025-26, offering a closer look at some of that work.

Alongside major milestones like the new Community Pool and 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, the brochure highlights less visible work that advanced a broad range of City priorities – from expanding after-school and adaptive recreation programs to strengthening wildfire protections, modernizing City records management, rethinking park management practices, and upgrading storm drains at locations across Piedmont.

Copies of the brochure, titled Years in the Making, are available at City Hall and can be downloaded here.