Bradenton Mayor Outlines City Progress and Future Plans in Annual Address
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown delivered his annual “State of the City” address to the members of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club and local community leaders, laying out ongoing initiatives and future goals for the city.
Mayor Brown addressed the city’s wastewater infrastructure, noting that upgrades are underway to modernize the system and increase resilience against weather events and capacity stresses. He emphasized the city’s collaboration with regional and state partners to bring these projects to fruition.
Transportation and infrastructure also featured prominently in the remarks, with Mayor Brown discussing plans for the city’s bridges, including coordination with county and state agencies for maintenance, safety improvements, and enhanced traffic flow.
On homelessness, Mayor Brown highlighted the city’s efforts in collaboration with Manatee County to expand support services and housing options for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity. He referenced the recent opening of a new facility, Under One Roof Gateway South, at 407 57th Avenue East in Bradenton, which accepts women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The shelter has a capacity for up to 40 women and offers housing, case management, counseling, and recovery services all under one roof. Another shelter for men and couples is in the works, which will open up existing space at The Salvation Army of Manatee County for more families. The mayor emphasized that the city’s efforts focus on getting people off the streets.
Looking ahead, Mayor Brown shared his vision for downtown Bradenton's revitalization, emphasizing greater accessibility for families, improved walkability, and mixed-use development. He emphasized that this revitalization will support economic growth while maintaining residents' quality of life.
Overall, the address reinforced the city’s commitment to responsible growth, improved infrastructure, and strengthened community support, setting a tone of optimism for Bradenton’s future.
The full speech can be found below: