Fresno mayor Ashley Swearengin delivers final State of the City address

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin gave her last State of the City address Wednesday.

She applauded the city's lowered crime rate, reduced homelessness and the revitalization of downtown.

Swearengin greeted a packed house at the Fresno Convention Center, thanking people for their support and telling them Fresno has a bright future.

"The state of the city of Fresno is growing strong and growing stronger every day," she said.

Swearengin said she's proud of the 51 percent drop in homelessness even though there is plenty more work to be done.

She excitedly talked about the reconstruction of the Fulton Mall and the more than $100 million privately invested, which she says will help Downtown Fresno prosper and grow.

"What was a defining moment in our city's history and a turning point in our revitalization," Swearengin told the crowd. "I don't think I will ever forget that moment."

She says during her time in office much has been done to revamp neighborhoods and improve living conditions, and she's excited to see the success year after year of the food expo.

"The eyes of the food world turn to Fresno every year to witness the grand spectacle of the Fresno Food Expo that has grown to become one of the nation's largest regional food shows," she said.

The mayor also applauded Fresno's 21 percent reduction in violent crime.

"I think what the mayor said today really hit home in terms of the progress we've been able to make in spite of all those things," Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said. "The downturn in the economy the changes in the law at the state level and we're still able to continue to drive crime down."

Swearengin says there's still a lot she's working to get done before she leaves office but feels Fresno is headed in the right direction.

"So many of the things we've done they are anchored there they are passed they are adopted and they're environmentally clear and have the support of the public," she said. "So, I think it's a matter of building on what is already in place and continuing to get even new heights for Fresno."

As she ended her speech, Swearengin was brought to tears and said she was honored to serve as mayor for the last seven years.