In his final state of the city speech, Newton Mayor Setti Warren on Tuesday emphasized his work in strengthening city finances and promoting investments in infrastructure and economic development.
Warren, who took office in 2010, previously announced he would not seek a third term as mayor, and has indicated he’s considering a run for governor.
On Tuesday night, Warren didn’t speak of his future, but looked back to his first days in office and recounted work he said was needed to turn around a “bleak’’ outlook for Newton’s finances and rebuild trust in city government after the costly Newton North High School project.
“I don’t see it at all as an end, my final year, but rather a foundation of what is possible in our city,’’ said Warren. “I am proud of the work this administration and city staff have done and the progress we’ve made together.’’
Under his administration, Warren said, Newton has invested in green energy, economic development, and partnership programs to encourage small companies and startups to set up shop in the city, and summer internships for students to work at medical and technology-oriented businesses.
On housing issues, Warren pointed to programs intended to enable more middle- and lower-income residents to be able to live in Newton, referring to it as an economic necessity.
A city study reported that housing prices in Newton have skyrocketed: The median single-family home sale price rose from $638,000 in 2003 to $1.1 million last year.
City officials have identified seven locations for potential locations for future developments that include more affordable units, among other steps to encourage creation of lower-cost housing in Newton.
“Moderately priced, diverse housing is also critical for businesses that need qualified employees to meet their workforce requirements,’’ Warren said.
The same night as Warren’s speech, the City Council voted for a “Welcoming City’’ policy that limits the city’s cooperation with federal immigration officials and protects local undocumented residents. Warren supported the policy, and referred to it in his speech as “the way government should work.’’
He later noted that over the past year, there have been incidents of hate, anti-Semitic speech, and racism in Newton. Warren called on residents to work with one another and support civil discourse.
“I strongly believe that we must create a sustained effort that will last years . . . to truly ensure every resident feels safe and secure and welcome in Newton,’’ he said.
Warren emphasized his management of the city’s finances, which faced the prospect of an annual structural deficit when he took office. Since then, the city has seen balanced budgeting, $19 million in reserve funds, and a plan to cover the costs of pensions and retiree benefits in the coming years, he said.
Warren said the AAA bond ratings issued by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s allowed officials to refinance more than $90 million of city debt and save taxpayers millions in interest payments.
Warren said that, during his tenure, the city was able to move ahead on upgrade projects for two fire stations; a 10-year, $100 million effort to repair city roads; and a program intended to refurbish three schools and open five new school buildings. He credited voters with supporting a Proposition 2½ override that funded many of the improvements.
John Hilliard can be reached at john.hilliard@globe.com.
