Neeley touts Flint’s financial ‘turnaround’ in 6th State of the City address

FLINT, Mich. — During his State of the City address, Mayor Sheldon Neeley highlighted what he described as progress and resilience under his administration, emphasizing financial stability and community investment.

The two-term mayor outlined what he called the city’s “Five Points of Light” — residential development, recreation, economic growth, education and public safety — which he said form the foundation of a strong community.

Neeley touted six consecutive balanced budgets since taking office, and noted that when he took office in November 2019, the city’s net position was in the negative by $258 million. Today, he said, it stands at a positive $230 million — a $480 million swing. He called it one of the “strongest financial turnarounds in Flint’s history.”

In keeping with his message of economic growth and stability, he also announced that Flint has entered into a new partnership with the state of Michigan to collect the city’s local income tax, a responsibility the city has historically managed with limited capacity. Neeley said the change is expected to generate an additional $3 million in annual revenue starting next year and will support improvements to city services.

Additionally, he said that Flint’s assessed property values have reached $1 billion for the first time since 2011.

“I call myself a financial engineer,” Neeley said. “We can turn a penny into a dime and a dime into a dollar.”