This is a press release from the City of Statesboro.
Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar will host the 2026 State of the City address on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. Over the past six years, McCollar has hosted annual State of the City events to highlight the city’s achievements from the previous year and share its vision and goals for the year ahead. This year’s event will take place at the Emma Kelly Theater, 35 E. Main Street, in Downtown Statesboro.
“This year’s State of the City is about taking an honest look at where we are and how we got here,” said Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “Over the last several years, this community has experienced meaningful progress, and that progress did not happen by accident. It is the result of strategic investment, strong partnerships, and a commitment to long-term outcomes.”
During the address, Mayor McCollar will highlight economic growth, infrastructure improvements, public safety, housing investment, and the City’s continued focus on strengthening its housing stock.
“We are seeing sustained investment across the City, from infrastructure to housing to economic development,” McCollar said. “Those investments are shaping Statesboro into a stronger, more resilient community and positioning us to continue growing as a regional economic hub.”
A key focus of this year’s address will be the City’s investment in youth, with particular emphasis on childhood literacy and its connection to economic opportunity and community stabilization.
“If we are serious about economic growth and long-term stability, we have to start with our children,” said McCollar. “Childhood literacy is not just an education issue. It is an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a community safety issue.”
Mayor McCollar will also discuss recent progress in reducing poverty, noting that the City has seen another decline and now stands at 36 percent according to lates U.S. Census Bureau data.
“That number matters because it represents real people and real families,” McCollar said. “While we still have work to do, the downward trend tells us that our efforts are making a difference, and it strengthens our resolve to continue pushing for better-paying jobs and greater opportunity.”
Looking ahead, the Mayor will outline the City’s role as an expanding economic hub while emphasizing the responsibility to support the most vulnerable residents.
“The future of this City is very clear,” McCollar said. “Statesboro’s role as an economic center will continue to grow, but growth must be balanced with compassion. We must continue addressing housing needs, food scarcity, and the support systems that help our most vulnerable neighbors remain stable and secure.”
In addition to the official address, the program will feature a flag presentation by the Statesboro High School JROTC Color Guard, singing of the National Anthem by the Statesboro Youth Chorale, a special musical performance and a Q&A session with the Mayor led by WTOC News Anchor Dawn Baker. Light refreshments will be served following the program. Members of the public are invited to attend.
“Whether you live here, work here, own a business here, or simply care about this community, I invite you to join us,” McCollar said. “This is an opportunity to reflect on our progress and engage in meaningful dialogue about where we are headed together.”
For anyone who cannot attend, the address will be live-streamed to the City of Statesboro Government Facebook page and uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel the following day.
