(STILLWATER, OK) – Mayor Will Joyce delivered his eighth Mayoral State of the City address Monday at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon, highlighting a year of growth, collaboration, and “Progress Together” across the community.
The address, themed Progress Together, showcased a wide range of recent and ongoing investments in infrastructure, quality of life amenities, public safety, economic development, and cultural vibrancy. Among the many highlights were the opening of Block 34, progress on the Rails to Trails project, construction of the new Stillwater Regional Airport terminal, and Google’s continued investment in a new 400-acre data center campus.
Mayor Joyce also emphasized Stillwater’s strong partnerships in advancing public safety through a new fire station, an interoperable radio system, and an upcoming animal welfare facility, while celebrating educational and healthcare milestones across the community. He noted the importance of regional collaboration and recognized the role of Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Medical Center, and local schools in shaping the City’s future.
In addition to celebrating new projects, Joyce reflected on the City’s strength during hardship, specifically the March wildfires that devastated portions of Payne County and displaced families.
He praised first responders, volunteers, City staff, and neighbors who came together quickly to provide relief and rebuild. “In moments of crisis, Stillwater shows its true character,” Joyce said. “We stand together, take care of one another, and come out stronger on the other side.”
Looking ahead, Joyce underscored the City’s commitment to long-term infrastructure planning, including upcoming road improvements, utility investments, and efforts to expand recreation opportunities such as trails, parks, and sports facilities.
He highlighted the continuation of the TIME (Together Investing in Municipal Excellence) projects, noting that community involvement remains central to how the City prioritizes investments and balances future needs. He also stressed the value of transparent governance and ongoing community engagement, reminding residents that their voices directly shape city priorities.
“Stillwater’s success is not the result of one big moment,” Joyce said. “It’s the accumulation of thousands of moments, choices, and acts of generosity. Our future is bright, and the best is yet to come – as long as we continue Progress… Together.”
Mayor Joyce recognized members of the community and stakeholders who exude Progress Together through many efforts to support Stillwater today, and the success of Stillwater tomorrow. Those who received Progress Together awards include:
- Stillwater Makes A Change (SMAC) Stillwater Public Schools, Advisors Heather Mitchell and Kathleen Stepp, and Superintendent Tyler Bridges
- Loren Smith, Director, and the Stillwater Electric Utility Department, City of Stillwater
- Ruth Cavins, Executive Director, and the United Way of Payne County
- Carolyn Walstad, Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA)
- Zack Henson, Watershed Quality Manager, City of Stillwater
- Dawn Dodson, Chief Public Affairs Officer and Communications Director, City of Stillwater
- Red Dirt Relief Fund – Katie Dale, Executive Director and Tim Holland, Board Member
- Cody and Shannon Canada, Cross Canadian Ragweed
To view Progress Together Award recipient photos, click here.
Adding to the celebration, Mayor Joyce was named 2025 Mayor of the Year for communities with populations greater than 5,000 by the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) yesterday evening at the OML Annual Conference. The award recognizes outstanding mayors who have made significant contributions to their community and profession through leadership and service.
“We are pleased to name Will Joyce as the Mayor of the Year,” said Joyce Calvert, President of the Mayors Council of Oklahoma. “Mayor Joyce is dedicated to his community and has a heart for public service.”
City Manager Brady Moore praised the recognition, “Mayor Joyce is more than deserving of this distinguished award. I’m genuinely amazed at the amount of time and energy that Will pours into his volunteer role as the Mayor of Stillwater. He’s a servant leader that is passionate about making Stillwater a better place to live, work, and play. I’ve watched him gracefully lead our community through challenging times of a global pandemic and a wildfire natural disaster. In his time as Mayor, Will encouraged and assisted City leadership in the passing of two general obligation bonds, increased visitor tax for community amenities, additional sales tax for transportation projects, and approval of a franchise fee that brings significant revenue to our community through the data center project. I’m so grateful for Mayor Joyce’s leadership to our community, and look forward to seeing the fruits of his dedication for years to come.”
Mayor Joyce was first elected to the Stillwater City Council in 2016 and has served as Mayor since 2018. He was reelected in 2022, and serves in leadership roles with Stillwater Medical Center, University Heights Baptist Church, and the Oklahoma Municipal League Board. In 2020, he was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.
“This award is an incredible honor, but more than anything it reflects the people of Stillwater and the way we work together,” Joyce said. “I’m grateful every day to serve this community and I’m excited for all we will continue to accomplish.”
