Mayor Doug Franklin delivers 2025 State of the City address

On Tuesday, community members in Warren gathered inside the Warren City School Student Recreation and Wellness Center for Mayor Doug Franklin's 13th annual State of the City address. 

Franklin opened with the progress updates on economic development projects and infrastructure improvements, including the $150 million downtown peninsula project.

"The developer is in the process of designing plans for housing, retail, a hotel and other amenities on that site." Franklin said to the crowd.

The mayor also provided an update on the Reeves Building on West Market Street, which is currently undergoing demolition this week.

Taking its place will be a well-known lodging facility. 

"This site is expected to be the home of a future hotel, and it's a chain that's not currently in our market, but you'll recognize the chain when you see it." Franklin said. 

During the 20 minute speech, Franklin announced that the city was in talks with Champion Township to create another Joint Development District for the site of the new Mercy Health facility. 

Community members also learned about upcoming construction at the Warren Community Amphitheater. Franklin mentioned a roof replacement, site improvements, and new lighting to enhance safety, as well as the installation of a walking trail and pickle ball court nearby. 

Franklin also highlighted several accomplishments over the past year, including upgrades to city streets and new business investments such as the expansion of Cleveland Steel Container, which is expected to create 42 new jobs.

Although the mayor announced several successes, he acknowledged perhaps the city's greatest challenge--instability in healthcare at Insight Hospitals.

"I formally urged and have written the Ohio Attorney General's office to investigate the financial dealings that have jeopardized these essential services."