Mayor's Office
About Mayor Steve Noble:
Mayor Steve Noble was born and raised in the City of Kingston. He graduated from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in Environmental Science. Steve also earned his Masters in Public Administration from Marist College. He began his career at the City of Kingston’s Parks and Recreation Department, serving as an Environmental Educator and then as an Environmental Operations Specialist. Steve began his first term as Kingston Mayor on January 1, 2016 and was recently re-elected for an unprecedented third term, which began on January 1, 2024.
His tenure has brought significant improvements to the City, including winning a $10M Downtown Revitalization grant for Uptown Kingston, investing over $25M in Midtown infrastructure, securing over $22M in funding for Waterfront improvements and sustainability efforts, and completing an overhaul of the City’s antiquated zoning laws with a new form-based zoning code, among many other major infrastructure and sustainability projects. The current Grants portfolio for the City of Kingston is $84M.
Steve has also held leadership positions with the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, Ulster County Environmental Management Council, NYS Association of Conservation Commissions and is a founder of the Kingston Land Trust and the Kingston City Land Bank.
Key Focus Areas
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Maintaining and improving infrastructure
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Attracting and retaining responsible businesses
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Increasing citizen engagement and building a more open and accessible government
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Supporting arts and culture
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Building a sustainable community, promoting environmental stewardship and protecting Kingston's natural resources
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Ensuring that all residents have access to safe, quality housing
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Building a more connected community through an improved transportation system
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Expanding recruitment efforts to develop a diverse and skilled city workforce that reflects the community we serve
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Improving public health and wellness efforts
About the position of Mayor:
In the City of Kingston, a full time Mayor serves as Chief Executive Officer. The mayoral term is four years. As the top elected official, the Mayor oversees operation of the City, reviewing departmental specifics with all department heads. He is responsible for the annual City budget, which is presented to the Common Council for its review in October of each calendar year. He also appoints commissioners or board members who serve either in a policy setting or advisory capacity. The Mayor can submit proposed legislation to the Common Council for referral to the appropriate Committee for their consideration and he has the power to veto any legislation it passes when he deems it not in the best interest of the City. This power is rarely used since most issues are explored and discussed prior to the final legislative step.
State of the City Addresses:
2022 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 4, 2022
"I can’t promise an easy road ahead, but I do know that when we approach our challenges with compassion – together – the path is smoother and the journey safer.
The City can rebuild a road, but it's up to each of us to walk across that street and speak to our neighbors, to bridge the divides both physical and political.
Mayor Lindsley recognized back in 1872, “Putting aside local prejudice and personal interest, let us bring to our work a singleness of purpose and desire to benefit our whole city…”
I call on the folks of Kingston once again to put aside prejudices and personal interests, and work with a singleness of purpose. Let’s move forward and heal as a community. Let's push ourselves and our City to be all that we know it can be.
We are making progress, and we won’t stop now. If we work together with energy, care, and courage, we can accomplish anything."
Watch Mayor Noble's speech here.
2021 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 5, 2021
"Will we recover? Yes, of course. We have done so before. Will we rebuild what has fallen? Absolutely. We know what it takes to rebuild this city from the ground up.
But instead of simply rebuilding what once was, we can do better. We must do better. It is not lost on me that too many of our residents are struggling, despite the fact that we are living in a moment in history when everything we could ever possibly want or need lies in abundance. There is no doubt in my mind that Kingston will flourish once more, but without addressing the deepening inequality in our community, our future will continue to be shaped by those who wish to profit from our city, who measure success by the height of the stock market or the price of our homes. We, Kingston’s leadership, must work together to alter this path and mend the division within, for the good of our city."
Watch Mayor Noble's speech here.
2020 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 1, 2020
"I believe, wholeheartedly, that our potential is bound only by the hollow limits we set. So as we embark on a new decade, with new opportunities and challenges ahead, I am asking each of you- my friends, my neighbors, and my colleagues- to join me in embracing what is yet to come.
Because while the state of our city remains strong, the undeniable hope and sense of purpose that moves us forward is stronger still. So I say to each of us, let us be clearer in our convictions, bolder in our actions, and better today than we were yesterday."
2019 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 8, 2019
"Our city is growing. And growth can sound scary sometimes. It might seem easier to remain still, to keep things the way they’ve always been. It may feel more comfortable to ignore new ideas and to be surrounded by people who look and think alike. But that’s how cities crumble. We have far too much at stake to be lulled into complacency. Not when we’ve come this far. I believe wholeheartedly that we can continue to move forward while still holding on to all that makes Kingston special. Our city has strong roots- we were made to grow."
2018 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 9, 2018
"The State of our City is strong. According to the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, “this is Kingston’s moment.” What we do with this moment determines who we are as a community and where we go from here. We are entering into the New Year, ready to face the challenges that come our way and hopeful for the opportunities still ahead. We are going to continue to do the work that matters, even when it’s difficult or the hope of finding a solution to our biggest obstacles feels impossible.
"Because as long as we keep moving forward together, we are unstoppable."
2017 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 10, 2017
"We cannot change the world, but I assure you that by working with our neighbors instead of against them, we can build a far more resilient city. I ask that each of us make a commitment: instead of being the loudest voice in a room- listen. Instead of offering an ultimatum- find common ground. Instead of pushing people down- lift each other up. These are not the values of a democrat or a republican. These are the principles of a community that is capable of overcoming adversity and defining its own future."
2016 State of the City Address
Presented by: Mayor Steven T. Noble
January 1, 2016
"If I have said anything today that stays with you, I hope it's this: this is your City Hall. This is your Common Council. I am your Mayor. Our job is to work together to make Kingston a safe, stable and thriving city. Let's get to work."
Relevant Information
View the City Charter, which includes the General Powers and Duties of the Mayor, here.
Sign up to receive Mayor Noble's weekly newsletter by e-mail here.
The City of Kingston and the Mayor’s Office help your production company to:
- Access civic services
- Get film activity permits and other related permits suited to your production's specific needs
- Approve location requests to film on streets, parks, or other City properties in ways that respect our residents and businesses
Click here for more info http://www.kingston-ny.gov/filming
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