El Paso Mayor John Cook's first State of the City address takes place Thursday.

Expected in the speech are goals and a vision for the coming year, along with highlights of what the mayor and City Council have accomplished in their first year.

Based on the 2005 City of El Paso Annual Report, Cook is expected to talk about last year's Regional Economic Summit, which focused on the military, manufacturing, medical field, tourism, transportation, the city's first balanced budget in 10 years, capitol improvements and, most of all, helping more than 1,000 Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees.

Cook will most likely discuss future challenges the city faces, including the growth of Fort Bliss due to BRAC realignments, creating a stronger connection with Juarez, and improving the economy.

The State of the City address is open to the public.

Tickets cost $30 each. The speech will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the El Paso Convention Center.