LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith is inviting residents to attend her 2026 State of the City Address, where she plans to introduce a new format designed to encourage community participation.
Instead of delivering a traditional speech, Smith says the event will focus on open dialogue with residents, allowing attendees to share their thoughts on what has improved in Lima and what changes are still needed. The mayor says the discussion will center on the city’s “Better Together” theme and key areas of progress and investment.
“We're going to be talking about the themes under our Better Together theme. We're talking about the progress that we made with quality, affordable housing. We're talking about how we're working to grow our small businesses. We're talking about the investments that we're making in infrastructure across the city. And again, we're asking that question, are we building the city that we can build a life in?” said Smith.
Smith says the goal of the new format is to create a conversation with the community rather than a one-way presentation.
The 2026 State of the City Address will take place Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. in the Joe Henderson Auditorium at Lima Senior High School. The public is encouraged to attend.
