Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco focused on continuing efforts to turn Ames into a tightly knit community during his State of the City Address on Monday.

“We are always looking for ways to develop better neighborhoods,” Tedesco said.

“We are working on putting together a Neighborhood Summit that will start in April, and I always want input on how to improve Ames neighborhoods.”

Tedesco spoke about the future of the city to members of the Ames Rotary Club in the Hotel at Gateway Center, U.S. Highway 30 and Elwood Drive.

The mayor wants to continue pushing for Ames and Iowa State to become a united community focused on the bigger picture as opposed to small parts.

“We want more public participation in local government.” he said. “A community divided will not prosper.”

Tedesco said that he is looking forward to the return of the Farmer’s Market, and he was satisfied with Ames’ balanced budget in 2004. The City Council is also working on its vision for Ames that involves hard work and planning.

The project to improve entryways into Ames will also continue this year, Tedesco said.

“Our city sites give people the first impression, and obviously we want it to be a good one,” he said.