STOCKTON, Calif. — In front of a crowd of nearly 900 business leaders, politicians, students and Stockton residents, Mayor Kevin Lincoln said that his city is growing and building.
In his nearly 34-minute-long speech, Lincoln addressed progress in the past year on issues like: homelessness and housing, public safety, community well-being, youth programming and economic development.
"We are breaking down walls of division and building bridges of trust throughout this community, giving new meaning to the words 'public, private and non-profit partnerships,'" said Lincoln at the podium while highlighting such partnerships recently on issues such as homelessness. "We are growing, we are building, and we are OneStockton."
"OneStockton" is a phrase that the Mayor brought up at least twice in his speech, painting the city as united despite an election months away promising to shake up city hall.
The Thursday address will be Lincoln's last for now as the one-term mayor runs against incumbent Josh Harder to represent California's ninth congressional district.
Educator Christina Fugazi and San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti are competing for Lincoln's seat as Mayor in the November election. Both were in attendance at the Thursday event, held at the Port of Stockton.
"We have stood firm on the vision for our city, that Stockton will become the best city in America to live, raise a family and grow a business," said Lincoln. "Over the past 3 years, this vision has guided every decision we’ve made, every partnership we’ve formed and every dollar we’ve invested."
While no new initiatives or announcements were mentioned in the speech, Lincoln said that the path forward for the city must include unity, consistency and execution.
"Any narrative that life is doom and gloom in Stockton is simply not true, and we refuse to accept it. Together, we are making life-changing progress throughout our city. We are stronger, smarter and more attractive to outside investment through collaboration and innovation," said Lincoln. "Your voice, your work, your desires and your partnerships are essential to our continued success. Stockton is someplace special, and Stocktonians are built differently. As your Mayor, I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and have immense hope for the future."
Following the address, city council members and the mayor presented keys to the city to ten residents including nonprofit leaders, longtime educators, volunteers and philanthropists.
One of the honorees who received a key to the city was Juan Heredia. Heredia is the volunteer diver who discovered the body of missing Stagg High School student Xavier Martinez, minutes into his search following a failed multi-day search in the same area by law enforcement.
"It's a huge honor to be here," said Heredia seconds after being recognized. "I'm not a hero... This award is for Xavier Martinez."
Watch more from ABC10: Who are the candidates running for Stockton mayor?
