One of our key strategies has been to restructure traditional high schools into small learning communities with personalized attention and a range of options.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that I have secured $1 million from the Convention Host Committee to fund the beautification of Boston's neighborhoods.

And it was from Boston that one in every six American families began their journey into the land of the free.

Let's use the energy of this historic year to propel us toward our shared vision of a greater Boston.

2004 was a great year for Boston! The Patriots won the Super Bowl! Boston hosted its first national political convention! And - the Red Sox won the World Series!

Boston is known for its innovation.

Boston is safe. And we're going to keep it safe.

Boston is the engine of the state's economy.

Children need continuity as they grow and learn.

Diversity gives our city a competitive edge.

For every $5 that Boston's economy sends up to Beacon Hill, the state gives only $1 back to us.

I am also committed to providing city employees with housing assistance.

I am working hard to ensure that working families can continue to afford to live in our city.

I'm proud to report that in 2004 alone, we approved 3,600 new units of housing - our best year ever!

My fellow citizens, the state of our city is strong.

Preparing our city to achieve its destiny will require strong leadership.

The true privilege of being Mayor is that I have the opportunity to be everyone's neighbor.

The true value of sport is more than the skills that young people learn.

These are national problems that require national solutions.

This is a bad day for Boston, but I think if we pull together we'll get through it.