“From vacant to vibrant.” That was a theme from Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad’s State of the City address on Wednesday night as he recounted more than 20 years of progress in a community that continues to see new investment.

Muhammad was joined by dignitaries from all over the state at The Inn at Harbor Shores for the event. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist introduced Muhammad, remarking on Benton Harbor’s birthday.

“I’m here on behalf of the entire state of Michigan, all 10 million of us, to say congratulations to Benton Harbor for 160 years,” Gilchrist said.

During his address, Muhammad covered some Benton Harbor history, recalling the dark days of the 1980s and 1990s, when some considered the city among the worst places to live in the country. Then he said following the 2003 riots, the state and other partners began investing in Benton Harbor, and since, it’s been on an upward trajectory.

“20 years of progress,” Muhammad said. “Project by project, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

Now, Muhammad said Benton Harbor must join with partners throughout Southwest Michigan to make it and the surrounding communities a destination for the entire world.

“Ultimately, we want that investment to have access for everyone. We want equitable development. We want world-class investment. But we want it where everybody can coexist together.”

Muhammad said recent wins have included the development of hundreds of new housing units, major events like the Senior PGA Championship, the restoration of Ox Creek, the opening of the Richard Hunt art studio, and millions pumped into infrastructure. That includes the city’s successful effort to replace lead water lines throughout the community.

Muhammad added it’s his goal to further develop Riverview Drive.

“Where I believe that Riverview can not only be a haven for new housing, restaurants, retail, marinas, and the housing will be for all.”

Muhammad also said mass transit will be key to the city’s future, highlighting talks underway with the state to transform the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority into a regional service.

“We’re at a point now where we plan to, with the support of the commission and the TCATA Board, where we can partner with the state of Michigan. And they are putting in, I believe, close to $2 million to expand Dial a Ride, or TCATA, to make it more efficient. Just imagine taking TCATA to the South Bend Airport.”

Or, he said how about taking TCATA to Michigan City and then catching a train to Chicago?

With all that’s happened in the last couple of decades, Muhammad said Benton Harbor is no longer a vacant, desolate community. He once again called on everyone repeat the phrase, “vacant to vibrant.”

“So, I want you to stay engaged, I want you to keep investing, and I want you to keep showing up,” Muhammad said.