39^th annual event highlights city’s accomplishments from past year, outlines vision for future

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Mayor Rusty Bailey will deliver the 39^th annual State of the City address at the Riverside Convention Center on Jan. 28. Mayor Bailey’s fourth such address will focus on how the city is turning “Opportunity Into Action.”

The State of the City event, produced by the Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the City, recaps major accomplishments from the prior year and provides Riverside residents and business owners with a preview of upcoming issues in 2016.

“The State of the City address is a great opportunity for people who care about Riverside to come together and reflect on what we have accomplished in the past year,” Mayor Bailey said. “I am excited to provide a preview of great things ahead to leaders in government, business and education, as well as entrepreneurs, students and community advocates.”

Mayor Bailey will announce the first winner of the Dr. Carlos E. Cortés Award for Championing Diversity and Inclusivity, named for the Professor Emeritus of History at UC Riverside who has been a lifetime advocate of the importance of diversity and the need for inclusivity. The award recognizes actions taken toward furthering the City’s pledge to build a more inclusive community.

The Chamber will present the Hero Award and announce winners of the Beautification Awards from Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful.

Guest check-in begins at 4:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to start at 5:30. General admission seating is free.  Reserved seating is available for $50 and includes a ticket to the reception after the speech.