At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at Peachtree Corners’ new City Hall, Mayor Mike Mason will deliver his annual state-of-the-city address and offer a look back at the city’s progress thus far – and a look ahead to the future of the county’s largest city.

It has been a mere half-dozen-years since Peachtree Corners was incorporated as Gwinnett County’s 16^th city. Yet there’s no doubt that this young city has been on the move since it was officially founded July 1, 2012.

Expect Mayor Mason to highlight the significant progress made in improving pedestrian safety in a community that was originally designed to be car-centric. For example, since the city was founded:

• 4.5 miles of new sidewalks have been installed

• 3 pedestrian crossings have been installed at Peachtree Corners Circle at Eastman Drive, Winters Chapel Road and East Jones Bridge Road.

Also, expect Mayor Mason to speak about the progress on the city’s 11.5-mile multi-use trail Construction on the second part of Phase 1 is expected to begin by the end of summer.

• The work will include installing a path around a portion of Technology Park Lake for all to enjoy and will tie in with the trails along Technology Parkway and Technology Parkway South.

• Eventually the trail system will crisscross through office parks, restaurants, retail centers and the new town center and surrounding neighborhoods.

• The trail system will be used as another transportation alternative as the city works to provide alternative modes of transportation to residents and the workforce.

Other highlights showing the city’s growth:

• Since 2014 office vacancies are down by 22 percent as businesses are established or relocate to the city.

• The number of restaurants has increased from 115 to 142, a 23 percent jump.

• Housing starts are up 6.3 percent and home prices are up 4.8 percent.

Mayor Mason is also expected to point out the impressive success of Prototype Prime. The startup incubator, opened in October 2016, started with just two companies – today that number has jumped to 16. In addition, the city’s plan to add an autonomous vehicle track in Technology Park is expected to draw businesses connected with emerging AV technology to the area.

In highlighting future plans, the mayor will talk about the next phase of the town center, which could potentially include a performing arts center, an expanded town green and event space. Expect the mayor to also talk about the city’s plans to add educational facilities and amenities to Tech Park such as transportation, recreation, dining and housing options.

The state-of-the-city address will take place in the council chambers and is open to the public.