Lincoln Mayor Highlights Housing, Safety, Infrastructure

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird used her 2026 State of the City address to highlight public safety, infrastructure, housing and workforce development, while arguing the city’s strong standing should spur continued investment. She said her administration has added 31 police positions, maintained full authorized staffing since July and plans to add four more officers in 2027; she also cited a 25-year low in serious crime and a newly fully staffed 911 communications center. The address highlighted Lincoln Fire and Rescue’s top-tier ISO Class 1 rating and the city’s co-responder program, which has handled more than 650 calls. Baird pointed to $473.9 million in street investments and a record number of residential building permits over the past five years as evidence of efforts to support growth and housing. She also reflected on the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, connecting civic service and stewardship to Lincoln’s future.