Mayor Tom Barrett previews State of the City Address

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is outlining his top priorities in his annual State of the City Address.

Barrett is due to deliver his speech on Monday at Fiserv Forum, a much larger venue than years past. The ceremony is open to the public.

"We're gonna have hundreds of people here tomorrow to talk about our city," Barrett said. "We're very, very excited to talk about the progress that we're making in terms of jobs, in terms of investment that we're seeing."

He gave CBS 58 a preview to his speech where he announces the launching of career on-line high school, which will give adults the opportunity to get their diplomas.

"2019 is the year to direct our full attention to our youngest residents," he said.

He will also discuss the challenges such as the need for jobs in low income neighborhoods.

Other issues include the police department and the city's plaguing violence.

"We recognize there's more work that has to be done there,” he said. “I would love to see more people from the City of Milwaukee who want to live in the City of Milwaukee and want to serve being part of our police department because to a large extent, having people from our community could really address some of the police, community relations issues.

Another important topic Barrett will address is the Health Department and lead problems.

"I'm very candid that the Health Department had some challenges, but the good people who work in the department have really stepped up now."

Barrett will also speak on the city's progress for affordable housing.