Mayor Will Joyce Wins Oklahoma Mayor of the Year Award

Mayor Will Joyce delivered his eighth State of the City address at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon, emphasizing the theme "Progress Together" while highlighting a year of significant growth and collaboration across multiple sectors. The event, which has been a Chamber tradition for nearly 20 years, drew a packed audience that remained engaged throughout the presentation.

Joyce was also honored as the 2025 Mayor of the Year for communities with populations over 5,000 by the Oklahoma Municipal League. The award recognizes outstanding mayors who have made significant contributions to their community and profession through leadership and service.

"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."

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce was honored with the Oklahoma Municipal League's 2025 Mayor of the Year award for cities with populations over 5,000. – Oklahoma Municipal League

The Mayor of the Year award, established in 1992, has two categories based on population size. Previous notable recipients include former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett in 2013 and Norman Mayor Breea Clark in 2020.

Joyce emphasized the value of connecting with other mayors across the state who face similar challenges. "Those are people who are dealing with the same things that I deal with in this role, and they're the people that I go to," Joyce said, noting conversations with mayors from communities like Alva and Enid about various municipal projects and approaches.

📺 Watch the Chamber's new hype video with narration by Mayor Joyce

Source: Stillwater Economic Development

The State of the City address showcased recent and ongoing investments in infrastructure, quality of life amenities, public safety, economic development, and cultural vibrancy. Major highlights included 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.

Joyce emphasized Stillwater's strong partnerships in advancing public safety through a new fire station, an interoperable radio system, and an upcoming animal welfare facility. He celebrated educational and healthcare milestones across the community while noting the importance of regional collaboration with Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Medical Center, and local schools.

The mayor reflected on the community's strength during the March wildfires that devastated portions of Payne County and displaced families. He praised first responders, volunteers, city staff, and neighbors who came together 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."

Some of the Progress Together award recipients took photos with the Mayor. From left: Alane Zannotti, Tim Holland, Katie Dale, Ruth Cavins, Will Joyce, Loren Smith, Cody Canada, Shannon Canada, Dawn Dodson, Brady Moore. – City of Stillwater

Seven individuals and organizations received "Progress Together" awards for their contributions to Stillwater's success. Recipients included:

Stillwater Makes A Change with Stillwater Public Schools advisors Heather Mitchell and Kathleen Stepp, along with Superintendent Tyler Bridges
Loren Smith and the Stillwater Electric Utility Department
Ruth Cavins and the United Way of Payne County
Carolyn Walstad from the Stillwater Area Sports Association
Zack Henson, Watershed Quality Manager
Dawn Dodson, Chief Public Affairs Officer
Red Dirt Relief Fund representatives Katie Dale and Tim Holland
Cody and Shannon Canada from Cross Canadian Ragweed.

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 T.I.M.E. (Together Investing in Municipal Excellence) projects, noting that community involvement remains central to how the city prioritizes investments and balances future needs.

"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."

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Alane Zannotti addresses attendees at the 2025 Mayoral State of the City on Sept. 12, 2025. – Photo by Chris Peters

The Chamber of Commerce event has grown significantly in popularity over its nearly two-decade history. Alane Zannotti, President and CEO of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, noted that the annual event has become their most popular.

"This event has become most popular also in sponsorship, because all of our events are sponsored a year before," Zannotti said. "A lot of these tables were sponsors that wanted to say they we're a part of this event ... which shows that they are excited about what's happening in Stillwater."

A message from Visit Stillwater

From OSU Family Weekend and Cowboy Football to pumpkin patches, craft shows, and more, September is packed with traditions and celebrations. Experience the season in America’s Friendliest College Town!

The Chamber organizes 12 luncheons annually, but the State of the City address is considered a special annual event that takes place every September. Zannotti praised the transformation of the presentation format, crediting Dawn Dodson with bringing creativity and visual elements that have enhanced the event's appeal.

Mayor Will Joyce surprised City of Stillwater’s Chief Public Affairs Officer Dawn Dodson with a Progress Together award at the Mayoral State of the City event. Dodson’s innovative approach is credited with enhancing the annual event’s appeal. – Photos by Chris Peters

In a press release, City Manager Brady Moore praised Joyce's recognition as Mayor of the Year, highlighting his dedication to the volunteer role and servant leadership approach. Moore noted Joyce's leadership during challenging times including the global pandemic and wildfire natural disaster, as well as his role in passing 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 through the data center project.

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.

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce staff take photos with the Mayor. From left: Elaine McKenzie, Brianna Duncan, Kari Moore, Kimie Calcagno, Will Joyce, Mandy Lyons, Landry Bledsoe and Alane Zannotti. – Photo by Chris Peters

The event demonstrated Stillwater's position as a community that can now be strategic in economic development, actively recruiting companies that support the workforce graduating from Oklahoma State University, Meridian Technology Center, and Northern Oklahoma College rather than waiting for companies to approach the city.