DENVER -- Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper delivered his third State of the City address Tuesday, touching on issues such as the upcoming Democratic National Convention, the economy and public safety.

Hickenlooper referred to the DNC as the most important gathering in the city's history.

"Millions of people around the world will watch history unfold in the world’s greatest democracy against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains," he said.

"One hundred years ago," he added, "Denver hosted another national Democratic convention. In 1908, Denver was just fifty years old. It’s hard to imagine, from a hardscrabble settlement of tents to host of a national event in only fifty years."

He said the city would be judged in history.

"We will really be judged by how people view Denver 100 years from now," he said.

Hickenlooper said the city continues to thrive in a tough economy. He told the audience that Denver has 30,000 more jobs now than five years ago, along with 1,500 new businesses.

He also talked about gang violence in the city but declared, "Denver is a safe city, but challenges remain."

"Let me restate this as clearly as I can," the Mayor said. "This community will not tolerate violence, we will not tolerate crimes against property, we will not tolerate criminal activity, in any Denver neighborhood or community. We will continue the steady, determined progress to reduce crime and arrest and incarcerate those who steal opportunity from others by breaking the law."

Hickenlooper said the most effective path to public safety is investing in our children's future. He cited the Denver County Child Care Assistance Program, an integrated youth service delivery system and the Denver Scholarship Foundation.

After the address, Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown told 7NEWS that he wanted to hear more about the Democratic Convention and how the city would address protesters.

The Mayor said he believes most protesters will be peaceful. He said, "Those that aren't will be dealt with."

"What I fear the most about the Convention," Hickenlooper said, "is that people will want to stay home. They'll think there is a risk in coming downtown and participating in what is going to be a historic event that is happening in our city."

The 25-minute address was made in the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building atrium. Click here to read the full text of his speech.

The State of the City speech is modeled after the governor's annual State of the State address.