Inspiration was the theme of the day at Tuesday’s annual State of the City luncheon, where Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson announced that The Tidewater Builders Association Homearama will return to Suffolk this fall and that The Neighborhood Harvest will expand its operations.

“As mayor, I feel it’s my duty to look to the future to find balance,” Johnson said during the event, which is a fundraiser for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and the last of five in a series from South Hampton Roads. “Every decision, every investment has been made with an eye toward the future.”

Homearama will showcase homes at The Creeks of Nansemond from Oct. 12-28. There are currently six homes and five builders that will be showcased, and the homes will be fully furnished and landscaped.

“This lovely new-construction community will provide a wide range in home prices featuring interior and waterfront lots perfect for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors,” Johnson said.

The Neighborhood Harvest, the Suffolk-based hydroponic farm, will expand to a larger facility. A bulk of its operations will move into a 19,000-square-foot building at the Suffolk Industrial Park. The Neighborhood Harvest made an appearance in more ways than one at the luncheon, which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront and Suffolk Conference Center.

“Your delicious salad, dressing and bread today was provided by The Neighborhood Harvest,” Johnson said. “How’s that for farm to table?”

The Neighborhood Harvest will continue to deliver fresh greens and locally sourced cucumbers, eggs, cheese, dairy products, bread and other items.

“They intend to diversify their offerings, with plans to invest in an on-site commercial kitchen model with the goal for it to serve as a communal kitchen for all ages,” Johnson said.

Johnson focused much of her speech on inspiring figures, accompanied by a video featuring such Suffolk luminaries as EVMS professor Dr. L.D. Britt, Suffolk Public Schools teacher of the year Katelyn Leitner-Black, “Top to Watch” business owner Richard Chaing and Team Hoyt marathon duo Michael Davis and Ashton McCormick.

Inspiration in the form of redevelopment and economic development is always in abundance, Johnson said.

Downtown revitalization continues in the form of pedestrian-friendly improvements, enhancing city gateways and streetscapes.

“These and a number of other initiatives, including the designation of a creative arts district, will contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of our downtown,” Johnson said.

Plans to revitalize the downtown feature three main pieces — a festival and market square, library square and a new mixed-use residential and historic reuse project.

Johnson also touted the economic development and financial improvements that the city has made over the last few years.

“We have a total of 712 new jobs and more than $114 million in capital investment. That includes more than 1,180,000 additional square feet in new and expanding businesses,” Johnson said. “These are inspiring numbers, to say the least. The numbers are projected to continue to grow.”

Holding the city to strict financial policies has helped give the city a consistent financial rating.

“We’ve made it a priority to keep our financial house in order. We’ve greatly improved our financial strength by adhering to financial policies, restoring fund balances, employing best financial management and by our conservative budgeting practices,” Johnson said.

The city is very close to being awarded its third AAA rating, according to Johnson.

“The winners here are our citizens,” Johnson said.