Mishawaka’s economy hasn’t fully recovered from the recession that started in 2008, but Mayor Dave Wood says it’s getting there. Wood delivered his second State of the City address during Monday night’s city council meeting. In 2011, his speech last more than two hours. But this year, Wood managed to cram lots of information into an address that half that amount of time. He touched on everything from parks to police. The most prominent topic throughout the night – and what residents say is the city’s biggest area for improvement – was economic development. Residents who packed the room Monday night have all heard plenty of bad news over the past few years – businesses closing, people laid off, the nation as a whole struggling. But Wood says that era may be coming to a close. “Mishawaka’s continued to grow through a poor economy,” he said. “Last year we grew at about 2 percent, 3 percent.” And he says that’s just the beginning of significant growth Mishawaka’s positioned for in the coming years. “We’re building that population in with projects such as the new Mishawaka River Center apartments,” Wood said. “We are also wanting to make sure we have the events and the destination that is attracting people.” By attracting people, the city will attract new jobs and businesses – two areas residents say need some improvement. “I know in my area I’m in the western part of Lincolnway,” said Mishawaka resident John Magramas. “We’ve had maybe one or two businesses come into the city. We lost two of them in the last month. It’s kind of the gateway to Mishawaka and we need more encouragement.” Wood says a new, long-range planning strategy will help make that possible. Beginning this year, Wood will work with all city departments to develop a plan for what they’d like the city to look like by 2033. That’s the year of Mishawaka’s 200th birthday. And Wood says the attention the city’s already getting makes him optimistic. “We have something special here,” he said. Wood also touched on public safety, public service and challenges the city will face over the next year. He mentioned the two murders the city saw in 2011, reassuring residents police are working hard to close both cases and continue to patrol neighborhoods. The full text of his address can be seen on the city’s website starting Tuesday.