Chester: Mayor's State of the City Address

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots outlined his vision and accomplishments for the City of Chester at a forum hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Latham Hall on the Widener University campus.

- Lorraine Lavender-Sams

The Chamber of Commerce event followed Mayor Roots’ State of the City Address to the citizens of Chester on the evening of May 13, 2026, at Chester City Hall, demonstrating that he had heard the residents when they questioned his decision not to host a State of the City address for them the previous year.

The State of the City hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce attracts a diverse audience of business owners, investors, potential investors, and community partners and stakeholders.

Although the audiences were different, Roots’ messaging remained the same, defining this year’s theme as “Purpose and Progress.” The Mayor spoke about communication and connectivity, two areas that he had promised to address in his inaugural address.

Starting with communications, Chester City Hall has a modernized citywide telephone system. This updated website now provides published meeting agendas and minutes; all meetings are recorded and posted promptly, bilingual clerks have been added to the staff, assuring that all residents and stakeholders are heard, and a free downloadable app allowing users to submit questions, report issues, and track the city’s responses, all making connectivity with city government more efficient and effective.

“Proof of the Possible” was how Roots described the city’s 50% reduction in crime over the last year, adding that there was no gun violence in March, and zero gun homicides during the summer of 2025, careful to address the unfortunate events of the past few days as isolated incidents. Roots attributed the decrease in gun violence and other crimes to the strong strategic partnerships with law enforcement, the Office of the Delaware County District Attorney, community organizations, and residents. Roots acknowledged his confidence in the leadership of Commissioner Katrina Blackwell, the first Black woman to lead the Chester Police Department.