This evening, Steven Fulop, political leaders, and Jersey City residents gathered in the for the 2016 State of the City. Tonight Mayor Fulop utilized the event to give the attendees a snapshot at the city’s biggest improvements during his 2016 term in office. In his speech, the mayor zeroed in on the betterment of the recent increase in the city’s construction, neighborhood redevelopment as well as the strengthening of the minority population. The mayor began his opening statement by highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments.

“The construction of 99 Hudson is the tallest building in New Jersey and is beyond Journal Square. We’re not just bringing up the building, we had our first affordable housing groundbreaking, and we have addressed employment disparities for minorities. Employees in Jersey City can now have protection against scrupulous employers, transit workers can earn benefits and a higher minimum wage.

The Mayor also clarified his push for safety in and throughout neighborhoods in Jersey City.

“We are hiring more police officers who are dedicated to making out streets safer.”

With the newest installment of the summer youth program, the mayor attested to hiring over 1000 youths for summer employment.

“Jersey City is America’s golden door. We’ve started to diversify our officers to reflect the true diversity of this city. As many as 70% of the newly hired officers have been minorities. The Detective Melvin Santiago West District station was the first new police station since 1954 and the precinct will serve as a memorial. We will be building a new police headquarters located in the federal public housing and there will be a reopening of the Jersey City police academy.”

The idea of safety is what echoed through many of Fulop’s comments. Fulop went on to explain that public safety will be the pioneer focus in 2016. He explained that police officers will now be required to wear body cameras to help with the enhancement of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

Fulop also addressed the city’s growth in employment in Jersey City.

“We also have the lowest employment rate, but we have had the strongest job growth in anywhere around the region. We’ve taken steps to lower crime everywhere including on Ocean, Central, and Monticello Avenues. We’re continuing to expand to help invest in small businesses and we are offering classes to help minority and women-owned businesses.”

Fulop explained that over the past two years, he has encouraged the advancement of youth activities throughout the city.

“Community engagement is key. It reiterates that public safety is a group effort and if we work together, crime will not stand a chance. We’ll come together as one Jersey City for the bright days ahead.”

Michael DeMoya contributed to this piece.