Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered a generally upbeat State of the City speech Thursday, while addressing government and business leaders at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School.

The Mayor touted growth in the Port of New Bedford with a record number of cargo freighters visiting the port, and a decline in the school drop out rate. He said teachers and administrators are working hard to improve New Bedford schools, but it won't happen overnight.

The Mayor also announced creation of a symbolic set of principles urging outside companies coming to New Bedford to hire local residents. Mayor Mitchell said the document is called "New Bedford Works."

The Mayor said more specifics on the document will be released soon.

The Mayor also disclosed a little known provision of the host community agreement with KG Urban Enterprises, that requires the casino operator to purchase $10 million dollars of goods and services each year from New Bedford businesses.

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