Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings gave his annual State of the City address at City Hall on Thursday. Our C.J. Spang has more.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- "Tonight I'm very pleased to say. Despite the financial challenges facing our nation and our state. And the strain these challenges continue to place on our city, I believe the state of our city is strong and our future has never looked brighter," Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said.

In front of a standing room only crowd in the Common Council Chambers, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings highlighted a number of successes in the city of Albany in 2011 and going forward, he wants to build a smarter city strategically.

"We need to advance our efforts and to continue working together for our young people. And I'm asking everyone, to really participate and make this is a priority," Jennings said.

"We need a chief executive, which we have, and a commitment to work harder and smarter. And I think he's given a number of good, innovative ideas on how that's being done," said Assemblyman Jack McEneny.

"I'm looking forward to all of us rolling up our sleeves and we can be thankful for the extra funding that we got for this year. But we really have to go work, yesterday, on what we're going to do for the years in the future," said Albany Common Council Presdient Carolyn McLaughlin.

Near the end of his address, Jennings stressed his desire for a new high school. He wants it to be a world-class school that partners with area colleges and businesses and announced the formation of a committee to explore that opportunity.

"Let's have the audacity to build a better, smarter city. One where our children can have the highest quality of life and the best education possible. In the safest, most innovative, most supportive and most loving community in the nation. That is my dearest wish for our city. And I'm confident that working together, we can make that wish come true," said Jennings.

Arguably the most notable part of Jennings' speech was what he left out. The mayor did not speak about Occupy Albany and there were about a dozen occupiers outside the council chambers holding banners during his speech. He also did not address the fatal police shooting of Nahcream Moore. Moore's mother also attended the speech, but declined to speak to reporters.