Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard joined News 12 this morning to discuss last night's 2025 State of the City Address, the city's accomplishments, challenges and future plans.

"There is a sense in the air that Mount Vernon's time is now," said Patterson-Howard.

Some of the key issues discussed include public safety, infrastructure, economic development, housing, public health and investing in the youth.

Some longtime residents tell News 12 their biggest concern is crime.

Last year, there were at least 10 shootings in the city.

The mayor says violent crime is down. She says they have a lot of things they're doing to keep it that way.

"In the next few weeks, we'll be launching the business camera program. This is a strategic initiative aimed at protecting our businesses and improving public safety," Patterson-Howard said.

They're also working on faster police response times and have given out hundreds of free security cameras to residents.

Between that and other investments, the mayor says she's optimistic about what's ahead.

"We're just getting started," said Patterson-Howard.