Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey’s second term is coming to an end, but he still had one more State of the City address to give, and he used it to highlight accomplishments and point out challenges.

For his final State of the City address, Fahey spoke in the Harper Center Ballroom on Tuesday. It was the second time he gave the address at Creighton and the first time in the Harper Center.

The address began with opening remarks from the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., Creighton University president, in which he thanked Fahey for choosing the Harper Center as the site of his address.

“We’re very honered that Mike would choose Creighton as the setting for this particular event,” he said. “He’s been a wonderful mayor, very cooperative with us as Creighton has enjoyed some expansion these last few years.”

Arts & Sciences junior and Creighton Students Union president Adam Hare then introduced Fahey and highlighted some of his accomplishments.

“Mayor Fahey’s two terms in office have been a tribute to Omaha,” Hare said. “Through enhancing neighborhoods, strengthening public safety, facilitating economic development, supporting after-school initiatives and restoring stability and efficiency to Omaha government, Mayor Fahey has truly made life in Omaha better.”

Fahey then gave his address. He began by saying that he was proud to return to Creighton, the school from which he graduated in 1973.

“Creighton introduced me and countless others from across the country and around the world to Omaha,” he said. “On this campus, individuals receive a quality education, experience one of Omaha’s most recognized and respected institutions and become a part of a vibrant and growing community.

“I encourage all students to take full advantage of everything this University and our great city has to offer you.”

Fahey used the address to highlight the things he did as mayor he is most proud of, including his fight against graffiti, library and park renovations, new soccer, baseball and softball fields and changes he made to the way Omaha handles road construction.

Fahey also said that public safety has been a top priority of his as mayor.

“With all of the improvements made to our neighborhoods and the support our citizens contribute to our quality of life, it is incumbent upon city government to ensure the safety and well being of our community,” he said.

“After all, the renovations of our parks and our neighborhoods mean nothing if citizens do not feel safe enough to enjoy them.”

Fahey said crime has fallen 24 percent since 2001, though the murder rate has gone up and down, peaking at 44 in 2008. He said it is important to take illegal guns off the street, as well as reduce poverty, create jobs and reduce the allure of gangs.

Another accomplishment Fahey pointed to was the opening of the Qwest Center and ground breaking on a new downtown baseball stadium, as well as a deal with the NCAA to keep the College World Series in Omaha for the next 25 years.

Despite the accomplishments, however, Fahey said Omaha will face challenges in the future. For example, he said Omaha needs a stronger mass transportation system.

“Such a system can generate economic development and foster community betterment,” he said.

“Failing to do so will limit our ability to grow and in the next 30 to 40 put us at a disadvantage with our peer cities.”

To conclude his speech, Fahey promised to keep working until his final day in office and to provide a smooth transition of power when a new mayor steps into office. He also affirmed his appreciation to serve Omaha as mayor.

“I love my job as mayor and I cherish the opportunity our citizens have given me,” he said. “I’ve worked to uphold the honor of the office as best [as] I could and I’ve never taken this wonderful opportunity for granted.”

Hare said he was impressed with the speech and of Fahey’s many accomplishments since he was elected mayor in 2001. He was also glad to hear Fahey will keep working until his term comes to an end.

“It was … pretty exciting to know he would spend the next four months efficiently,” Hare said. “It seems he’s going to hand over a pretty well-run government.”