In her 2026 State of the City address on February 23, Cheri Jackson marked a milestone moment: ten years since Millcreek became an incorporated city. Framing the anniversary as a coming-of-age story, Jackson highlighted a decade defined not just by growth, but by maturity, independence, and community character.
“Over the past ten years, Millcreek hasn’t just grown bigger—we’ve grown up,” Jackson said, reflecting on the city’s evolution from borrowed meeting space and minimal staff into a fully functioning municipality with its own departments, long-term planning tools, and permanent City Hall.
Since incorporation, Millcreek’s population has grown to nearly 65,000, business licenses have more than doubled, and thousands of new housing units have been approved. But Jackson emphasized that the city’s progress is best measured by its ability to serve residents transparently and responsibly—earning strong bond ratings, expanding digital access to city services, and investing heavily in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
The Mayor also spotlighted Millcreek’s investments in people and place, including arts and cultural programming, historic preservation, and the Millcreek Promise Program, which has supported families in need and mobilized community response during crises.
“Growing up doesn’t mean losing who you are,” Jackson said. “It means understanding your values, caring for your people, and having the confidence to meet the future with purpose.”
Looking ahead, Jackson acknowledged ongoing challenges—from infrastructure needs to continued development—but expressed confidence that Millcreek is ready for its next chapter. Ten years in, she said, the city remains rooted in the same spirit that inspired incorporation: neighbors working together to shape their own future.
