What They’re Saying: New Yorkers Praise Mayor Adams’ Family-Focused Fourth State of the City Address

January 9, 2025

Speech Outlined Multi-Year Initiatives to Solve Street Homelessness,
Keep Young People Safe, Build More Housing and Family-Friendly Neighborhoods,
Teach Students How to Save and Spend Money, Expand Access to Playgrounds, and
Save Working-Class Families Millions of Dollars

Advanced Mayor Adams' Vision for Safer, More Affordable New York City for Families

Follows Landmark Year of Safer Streets and Subways;
Record Amounts of Jobs, Small Businesses, Housing Construction;
Passage of Most Pro-Housing Zoning Proposal in City History; and
Expansion of Early Childhood Education System

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams today outlined a bold vision to make New York City the best place to raise a family in his fourth State of the City address, delivered at The Apollo theater in Harlem, Manhattan. After driving crime down, passing historic housing legislation, and helping New Yorkers save billions of dollars through tax relief, child care, free internet, and more in 2024, Mayor Adams used today's address to unveil new initiatives that will create a safer, more affordable city for working-class families, especially those trying to raise a family, all across the five boroughs.

Here's what New Yorkers are saying:

"Thank you, Mayor Adams, for choosing the Apollo Theater in my district as the site of this year's State of the City address," said United States Representative Adriano Espaillat. "This is an exciting way to kickstart 2025 by highlighting the historic contributions and impact of Harlem to New York City and the fabric of our nation. Together, we are working to make our city a better place where families not only live, but where they thrive."

"Mayor Adams showed his strength, focus, and resilience in today's State of the City address," said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. "He highlighted the record achievements of this administration and a bold vision to uplift all New Yorkers. The mayor presented concrete, common sense solutions to the issues facing our city: mental health, public safety, housing, homelessness, healthcare, and education. I have been proud to work with the mayor to make our government more efficient and solution-driven, tackling New Yorkers' biggest quality of life concerns. As a new session begins in Albany, I look forward to collaborating with the mayor to continue to bring down crime, provide mental health treatment, build affordable housing, drive down the cost of living, address homelessness, and create opportunities for all."

"Equitable access to clean, safe public spaces has long been a priority for Southeast Queens, and these investments reflect a long-overdue commitment to our communities," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers."Initiatives like Schoolyards to Playgrounds and expanded Parks Second Shifts are critical to ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy quality public spaces and build upon the work we've done collectively with our community-based organizations. The expansion of free swim safety classes is another essential investment, serving thousands of young people in neighborhoods where water safety is vital. I thank the administration for recognizing the needs of Southeast Queens and taking steps to address them with these impactful programs."

"Harlem has always been a community of dreams and the announcement of the 'Harlem Field of Dreams,' at the historic Charles Young Playground, is another step toward making those dreams a reality for our young people," said New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam. "This investment into a multi-sports field will provide a safe, vibrant space for baseball, football, and community programming like Saturday Night Lights - helping to inspire and uplift our youth. I want to thank Mayor Adams for recognizing the importance of investing in Harlem and for his commitment to empowering our future generations."

"As Mayor Adams has outlined his vision for 2025, I look forward to our continued work with the administration to ensure that the residents and families of the Bronx are not forgotten. From economic development to employment access, environmental justice, health, and public safety, it is critical that we work with our partners at City Hall to address these issues," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Together, we will continue to tackle these challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous Bronx for everyone who calls our borough home."

"Our kids only get one chance at a good education, and the Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative is a great way to ensure our city's public school students are able to combine learning with much-needed recreation year-round," said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman. "I am grateful to Mayor Adams for selecting the kids in my district to be among the first to enjoy this new program."

"The unequal access to internet has had detrimental effects on low-income communities. Students are not able to research and complete homework, families lack access to work-from-home employment opportunities, and more," said New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz. "I applaud Mayor Adams on taking steps to resolve this well-documented digital divide that continues to affect the Bronx."

"Our parks see hundreds of thousands of visitors every week. Keeping them clean and free of litter isn't just about maintaining appearances-it's about ensuring they remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable spaces for everyone in our community," said New York City Councilmember Sandra Ung. "This additional investment in cleanliness complements our shared commitment to making sure our green spaces remain pristine and accessible. By expanding this program, we're taking a critical step toward ensuring that these vital resources remain a source of pride for our community. I want to thank Mayor Adams and the Parks Department for recognizing the unique needs of our parks and for taking action to address them."

"I look forward to working closely with the Department of City Planning as they move forward with their neighborhood study of the Coney Island Avenue corridor, an area that has experienced displacement and where many residents are rent-burdened," said New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. "I'm also thrilled that several parks in District 39 will benefit from an additional Parks Department cleaning shift. Clean, well-maintained public spaces are vital to the safety and well-being of our communities, and this investment will help ensure our parks remain welcoming for all."

"I applaud Mayor Eric Adams for his leadership in announcing programs that address the real needs of New Yorkers. Two of the initiatives announced by Mayor Adams will make a significant and tangible impact for many New Yorkers in my district and beyond," said New York City Councilmember Farah N. Louis. "The Second Parks Shift will enhance the quality of our cherished public spaces in District 45, ensuring cleaner and more welcoming environments for our community's residents to gather and thrive. The shelter diversion program represents a transformative step in reducing the burden on women and mothers by prioritizing their pathways to stable living environments, creating better outcomes for their families and children. These initiatives reflect a deep commitment to uplifting our communities, and I look forward to working alongside the administration to bring these vital programs to life in my district and across Brooklyn."

"Employers share Mayor Adams' concern about the challenges that families face because of the rising cost of living in the city and I applaud his proposals for making New York more family friendly," said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City.

"The Adams administration is proposing a number of measures which have the potential to make New York City more inclusive and vibrant," said Michelle de la Uz, executive director, Fifth Avenue Committee. "Fifth Avenue Committee looks forward to ensuring that the proposals are well informed by the needs of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers and communities as they advance over the next several months."

"Mayor Adams has laid out a clear vision and plan for making New York City safer, healthier, and more affordable for working families," said Henry D. Rubio, president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. "Our city's school leaders are encouraged by the investments in youth safety programs and financial literacy curriculum, which will directly improve the lives and futures of students. We have been particularly concerned with our children's safety, and these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to protecting and empowering them. We look forward to partnering with the mayor and his team to ensure our schools remain safe and provide the high-quality programs our families depend on."

"Today, the mayor outlined his vision for continuing to address the city's affordable housing crisis, building on a strong foundation established by last year's passage of the City of Yes initiative," said Jolie Milstein, president and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing. "People across the five boroughs and throughout the state are demanding relief from the steady rise in out-of-control housing prices that shows no sign of slowing. The zoning changes recently adopted by the city - combined with the charter revision process and the start of the state legislative session in Albany - are an important part of the effort to address the issues that make New York City one of the most challenging places in the world to build. We applaud the mayor for his commitment to using all tools available - including building on city-owned land and being resourceful in repurposing underutilized commercial real estate - to make progress toward the twin goals of preserving existing affordable housing and developing new units."

"Under Mayor Adams' leadership, New York is finally becoming a 'City of Yes,'" said Manny Pastreich, president, 32BJ Service Employees International Union. "After decades of inaction, Mayor Adams' administration passed the most pro-housing zoning proposal in our city's history and said 'yes' to building a new generation of affordable homes across the five boroughs. This is housing that we need for our membership and all New Yorkers. Mayor Adams' administration has shattered affordable housing records, unlocked billions of dollars for public housing, and helped thousands of the city's homeless population transition from shelter into stable homes."

"Today's announcement makes it clear: whether it's northeast Staten Island, central Manhattan, or south Brooklyn, this Administration is committed to creating homes for New Yorkers all across the five boroughs," said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., president and CEO, New York Building Congress. "Building upon the historic success of 'City of Yes,' this new housing agenda will allow us to use neighborhood rezonings, publicly owned sites, and underutilized areas to make housing more available and more affordable for New York's families. Our members have been waiting for the opportunity to tackle our city's housing crisis head on, and we look forward to building these units and hitting our goal!"

"2024 was a turning point year for pro-housing momentum in New York City and showed what's possible when leaders step up to build more homes," said Annemarie Gray, executive director, Open New York. "At the city and state level, 2025 must be the year we build on the momentum from 'City of Yes for Housing Opportunity' to ensure every borough and every community contributes to building the homes we so urgently need."

"The mayor and his team should be commended for putting forth a series of ideas that will further the goal of addressing the city's housing supply crisis and continues the work of modernizing our local zoning," said James Whelan, president, Real Estate Board of New York.

"Entering the year with massive momentum on housing - from billions in funding from the city and state to the passage of monumental reforms like 'City of Yes,' which will bring 80,000 desperately needed homes to New York City - it's crucial that we set our sights even higher to create more housing for New Yorkers of all income levels," said Rachel Fee, executive director, New York Housing Conference. "The mayor's proposal to convert the city housing agency's decades-long headquarters into housing is symbolic of the extent of the need for housing supply and the depth of our crisis. 'City of Yes for Families' is an obvious next step, which will go a long way toward mitigating outmigration, including by expanding the Down Payment Assistance Program, a critically important tool to increase homeownership. We commend the administration for their leadership on housing, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and the New York City Council to make our city more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers."

"Last year, the city made some great strides toward making our way out of our severe housing crunch, but this will be a marathon, not a sprint," said Howard Slatkin, executive director, Citizens Housing and Planning Council. "This means not only ramping up implementation to deliver results from the 'City of Yes' zoning changes and investments but also launching the next round of projects to build more housing and strengthen neighborhoods. We are pleased to see the administration continuing the forward momentum toward meeting our housing needs and look forward to helping turn productive ideas into beneficial change."

"I applaud the mayor and administration for - among many priorities - continuing to advance an ambitious housing agenda that puts the unique needs of our communities and New Yorkers at the forefront," said Rafael E. Cestero, CEO, Community Preservation Corporation. "Repurposing public land and buildings, utilizing new 'City of Yes' tools to improve neighborhoods, and building new housing near schools and transit hubs will open up our housing supply and fuel our local economies. This is the type of innovative thinking we need to ease our housing crisis and make New York City a much more affordable and equitable place to live for hardworking families."

"If New York City wants to continue to bolster its economy and grow the middle class, we must set forth initiatives that have the potential to generate family-sustaining careers for hardworking New Yorkers. This is why the Building and Construction Trades Council applauds Mayor Adams for the bold agenda laid out during today's State of the City," said Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. "The newly introduced plan to build 100,000 new units on the island of Manhattan must result in the creation of affordable housing and accessible career opportunities for union construction workers. As we commence a new year, our tradesmen and tradeswomen are ready and eager to continue their ongoing work toward building a greater New York City."

"Owning a piece of our great city and neighborhoods is a core desire for so many working-class New York families and is critical for building a fairer, more equitable housing landscape," said Sabrina Lippman, CEO, Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County. "We are grateful for Mayor Adams' housing proposals, building on the foundation established by 'City of Yes,' to invest in creating and preserving more affordable homeownership opportunities for New York families across all five boroughs. We look forward to partnering with the administration and New York City Council to further innovative policies and programs that will see more hard-working New Yorkers realize the dream to own their own homes."

"Expanding and preserving affordable homeownership is critical to ensuring that New Yorkers can afford to stay in their communities, and we are encouraged by the mayor's commitment to affordable homeownership this year," said Christie Peale, CEO and executive director, Center for NYC Neighborhoods. "In particular, doubling funding for HomeFirst will help put homeownership in reach for more New Yorkers by increasing access to down payment funds, breaking down one of the biggest barriers Black and Brown New Yorkers face when trying to purchase a home. We also commend the mayor for taking a necessary, long-term approach, including a five-year commitment to creating and preserving affordable homeownership. We're excited to partner with the city to deliver a more affordable New York through these efforts along with the other home preservation programs that not only help to stabilize families today but also contribute to thriving communities in the future."

"Making sure families can afford to live in New York is vitally important to the continuing success of our city," said Moses Gates, vice president, housing and neighborhood planning, Regional Plan Association. "We're excited by New York's ongoing commitment to build much-needed new housing for families, including leading by example by continuing to redevelop its own housing department's headquarters."

"Union Square has a long history of being an essential live-work-visit neighborhood that welcomes all New Yorkers, and we applaud Mayor Adams' focus on making New York City the best place to raise a family," said Julie Stein, executive director, Union Square Partnership. "We look forward to collaborating with the administration to learn more about 'City of Yes for Families,' how the plan to increase housing supply in Manhattan could help combat the city's housing affordability crisis and ensure that New York remains a desirable place for residents and businesses."

"The proposal by Mayor Adams to accelerate housing development that builds on the tools created in Albany last year and the adoption of 'City of Yes' zoning changes, in conjunction with construction labor standards in the 485-x program to create union jobs that pay good wages with family health care and retirement security, will be welcomed by members of our industry," said Paul Capurso, president, New York City District Council of Carpenters. "We look forward to working with his administration, and other city and state officials to advance housing and other economic development that creates union construction jobs and the opportunity that comes with them."

"Midtown Manhattan's Garment District Alliance applauds Mayor Adams' commitment to addressing the city's dire dearth of housing," said Barbara Blair, president, Garment District Alliance. "The seriousness of our housing shortfall cannot be overstated, nor can the need for solutions to office vacancies. The mayor's thoughtful plan addresses both pressing issues. The Garment District offers the most convenient transportation in the region, as well as easy access to theater, shopping, dining, and culture. However, its future depends on its long-overdue evolution into a 24/7, mixed-use district, which can only be achieved by encouraging residential conversions. We embrace the mayor's efforts and look forward to working with New York City Department of City Planning to ensure the city's goals are met."

"One way for businesses to attract talent and keep their headquarters in New York City is to create more housing for all," said Madelyn Wils, president, The Fifth Avenue Association. "Our city has become too expensive for people to realize their dreams here. I applaud Mayor Adams' bold plan to create more housing in all five boroughs, including 100,000 units in Manhattan."

"We commend Mayor Adams and the New York City Department of City Planning for their ambitious Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, a bold and visionary step to address New York City's housing needs and revitalize our neighborhoods for a vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use future," said James Mettham, president, Flatiron NoMad Partnership. "By introducing dynamic new zoning districts and prioritizing housing, this plan creates opportunities for New Yorkers to live closer to their jobs while fostering a diverse mix of commercial spaces, enhanced public realms, and improved transit connectivity. The Flatiron NoMad Partnership proudly supports this transformative initiative and looks forward to collaborating with the city to bring it to fruition. Together, we will ensure that Flatiron, NoMad, and the greater Midtown South community thrive with expanded housing options, increased job opportunities, and a resilient, vibrant post-COVID economy."

"We applaud the mayor for using his State of the City address to highlight the critical importance of funding arts and culture, which we know is paramount to a strong and vibrant city," said Coco Killingsworth, chair, Cultural Institutions Group, chief experience and impact officer, Brooklyn Academy of Music. "We look forward to partnering with the administration to ensure that our diverse and amazing cultural institutions have the resources it needs to thrive for all New Yorkers and visitors alike."

"Mayor Adams' goal of providing financial literacy education to every New York City public school student by 2030 will be transformative for the students, their families, and the community," said Ray Martinez, president and co-founder, EverFi. "Having a solid understanding of financial topics as well as access to tools, accounts, and opportunities is crucial for building a secure and prosperous future."

"Generation wealth fully supports Mayor Adams' goal of prioritizing personal finance education for all New York City Public School students by 2030," Jonelle Rock, CEO and founder, Generation Wealth. "Financial literacy is a powerful tool for promoting social justice, particularly in underserved communities, by equipping students with the skills to successfully manage their money and plan for their future. We're proud to collaborate with the city's dedicated educators to expand access to personal finance curricula and resources for students and families across the city."

"Financial education is a cornerstone of preparing young people to lead successful, fulfilling lives," said Melanie Mortimer, president, SIFMA Foundation. "Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions empowers them to secure meaningful employment, manage their resources, and contribute to our economy and democracy. The future of New York City depends on the financial capability of the next generation. Together, we can ensure they have the tools to thrive."

"Here at Ariva in the South Bronx, we are very pleased at the expansion of financial empowerment services to all New York City students," said Irene Baldwin, executive director, Ariva. "Everyone, regardless of age, should have the tools and resources to ensure their financial health and plan for their future. This will have a tremendously positive impact on Bronx residents and our neighborhoods."

"Thank you to Mayor Adams, Commissioner Mayuga, and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos for their vision and this important investment in the financial education and empowerment infrastructure for students and families across New York City," said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, founding executive, NYC Kids RISE and former executive director, New York City Office of Financial Empowerment. "It is critical that our students understand personal finance, and our financial system at large, to make good financial decisions and in the longer-term to contribute to building a financial system that works for all of us. Today, thanks to this administration, nearly every kindergarten, first, second and third grader in NYC Public Schools has an NYC Scholarship Account for college and career training. We look forward to continuing to work with the city, financial empowerment partners, and schools in expanding access to financial education and making it possible for more New Yorkers to build generational wealth across all our neighborhoods."

"Building strong, self-sufficient communities mostly depends on financial literacy, especially in a city as diverse and dynamic as New York," said Makeela Brathwaite, executive director, Grow Brooklyn and virtual services director, NYC Free Tax Prep. "Every day at Grow Brooklyn, we see how empowering people with financial knowledge changes their life and provides families and individuals with means to interrupt poverty cycles and create roads toward financial security. This extension of financial empowerment tools to NYC Public Schools isn't just relevant, it's necessary! For young people who represent the future of our wonderful city, especially those from long-marginalized areas, this bold initiative offers hope and opportunity."

"Economic, racial, and social justice for New Yorkers demand systemic change on all fronts, and expanding financial empowerment services for public school students and families plays a critical part in that," said Damara Parra, director, financial empowerment and advocacy unit, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). "At NYLAG, we firmly believe in providing financial literacy and empowerment for youth in the city and partner with programs in this pursuit. This expansion of access to financial education in the community is crucial in our fight to reduce not just income inequality, but wealth inequality. By providing essential information and knowledge from a young age, we can address the growing racial wealth gap and empower the next generation."

"Empowering our students and families with financial knowledge is an investment in their future and the future of our city, especially for the borough of the Bronx," said Rita Santelia, LMSW, chief executive officer, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center. "By expanding financial empowerment services within our public school system, we are equipping every student with tools to make informed decisions, save wisely, and build a secure financial future. This is such an incredible initiative the aim for every student to have access to comprehensive financial and consumer protection education, fostering a generation that is not only informed but empowered to thrive is a dream!"

"Applying for free application for Federal Student Aid, establishing credit, saving for that first apartment; these are just a few of the challenges that young New Yorkers face," said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, co-founder and CEO, Urban Upbound. "All young people deserve access to the financial literacy necessary to face challenges such as these with confidence. Urban Upbound has been at the forefront of this work for years, providing one-on-one financial counseling to youth on both vocational and college tracks. I am encouraged to see this worthy cause receiving the attention that it deserves and look forward to continuing this work in an expanded capacity."

"Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners is thrilled that the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is expanding financial education for the city's youth," said Justine Zinkin, CEO, Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners. "We have been a leading provider of financial coaching for the city's Financial Empowerment Centers since the program's inception over 15 years ago. We've helped thousands of New Yorkers eliminate their debt and build a more secure financial future. We aim to eradicate predatory debt in all its forms, and we believe that empowerment starts when New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable financial services, and are equipped to navigate the system so they can avoid exploitation. We applaud the agency's investment to ensure that young people are armed with the knowledge they need to get a strong start in their financial lives by avoiding harmful debt, saving for the future, and making their money work for them."

"Personal finance educators inspire New York City students and their communities by teaching useful real world money skills to thrive after graduation," said Christian Sherrill, director, partnerships and advocacy, Next Gen Personal Finance. "Next Gen Personal Finance, the world's leading nonprofit provider of financial literacy curriculum and teacher professional development, is proud to partner with the New York City Public Schools's Office of Student Pathways on their existing financial literacy efforts and applauds the administration's efforts to grow these efforts."

"At Robin Hood, we work to make New York City a place where every family, regardless of income, has the tools they need not just to get by, but to thrive," said Pam Davis, senior program officer, Robin Hood. "Financial security plays a huge role in a family's ability to weather economic shocks, such as an unexpected major expense or illness. As longtime funders of economic security support that range from tax prep to one-on-one financial counseling, we know that financial empowerment programs can help put New Yorkers on a pathway out of poverty. We are thrilled that more parents, caregivers, and students will have access to critical financial education as part of the New York City Public Schools curriculum. Equipped with a deeper understanding of budgeting, banking, and investing, today's announcement will allow more New Yorkers to make empowered decisions that help them, and their loved ones disrupt the generational cycle of poverty and disadvantage."

"Council of Jewish Organizations Flatbush commends Mayor Adams for this ambitious and visionary initiative that is certain to empower our city's young people - the communal, business, and political leaders of tomorrow - by providing them the financial and consumer protection education necessary to becoming fiscally responsible adults," said Louis P. Welz, CEO, Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) Flatbush.

"We look forward to enhancing our already productive partnership with the Office of Financial Empowerment at the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as we move forward on this vital new program," said Shulamis Shapiro, director, COJO Flatbush Social Services. "Learning how to save and spend money is so important for students on the cusp of adulthood. This initiative deserves the enthusiastic support of all New Yorkers."

"Student debt drives shortages in critical professions, including teachers, nurses, and other public servants who make our cities work." said Mike Pierce, executive director, Student Borrower Protection Center. "Cities are uniquely positioned to help employees who are struggling with their student loans and I'm excited that New York City is standing up for its workers and their families, especially at this chaotic time for student loan borrowers."

"We regularly see a need for more student loan debt support and resources among our city workforce, so we are glad to see this investment in the people who keep New York City running," said Shanna Tallarico, director, Consumer Protection Project, New York Legal Assistance Group. "This student loan assistance program for city employees and their families is a critical step towards alleviating thousands of New Yorkers' debt struggles and proactively mitigating further financial crises."

"Community schoolyards give people spaces to gather and connect with each other and nature. Increasing the number of open schoolyards is a cost-effective way to make access to park space more equitable without buying any more land," said Mary Alice Lee, director, NYC Playgrounds Program, Trust for Public Land. "Schools are places where communities come together. When you visit a schoolyard after school or stop by on the weekend, you might see teens playing basketball, kids playing on playground equipment while their grandparents watch, or friends playing a pick-up soccer game. These spaces become the heart of the community with neighbors organizing sports leagues, movie nights, and exercise classes. Trust for Public Land is proud to work with Mayor Adams to create more community schoolyards and give more NYC residents access to the outdoors."

"Increasing access to green and open spaces in our densely packed city is critical for our physical and mental health. We at City Parks Foundation are extremely supportive of Mayor Adams' efforts to expand the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program," said Heather Lubov, executive director, City Parks Foundation. "We will continue to work with the administration to advocate for robust funding for our entire park system, which brings vital social and environmental benefits to all New Yorkers."

"I commend Mayor Adams for prioritizing the quality of life of every New Yorker through these investments in our city's parks. Adding 230 positions for desperately-needed second shifts, which have proven to be a success in keeping parks clean and green, is a welcome step in the right direction. The administration's investment in the 'Swim for Life' program will equip thousands of 8th graders with vital swim safety skills, a life-saving initiative that also fosters health and recreation.We are equally encouraged by the baselined $770,000 for the 'Schoolyards to Playgrounds' program, which will transform playgrounds in underserved communities at 11 sites," said Adam Ganser, executive director, New Yorkers for Parks. "While these are important victories, there is still more to do to fully restore funding and critical positions in the Parks Department. We look forward to working with the mayor, the City Council, and our partners to ensure that every New Yorker has access to safe, clean, and green parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and natural areas."

"Mayor Adams' commitment to increasing permanent second shift workers and opening up recreation spaces in neighborhoods that lack park access is a positive step forward for the city," said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters. "We look forward to seeing these efforts brought to fruition and expanded to ensure all New Yorkers have access to quality green spaces in their neighborhoods."

"We applaud the administration for prioritizing aquatics safety and ensuring that more children have access to critical life-saving skills," said Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York and co-chair, New York City's Lifeguard and Aquatics Task Force. "As a city surrounded by water, we have a collective obligation to protect our families and children and increase access to swim instruction. We look forward to expanding our great partnership with the city, the Parks Department, and New York City Public Schools to implement 'Swim To Life' services and empower our communities."

"Swim Strong Foundation is so happy to hear that $5 million of funding will be available via the city budget this month to support the 'Swim For Life' initiative spearheaded by the NYC Parks Department and partners," said Shawn Slevin, executive director, Swim Strong Foundation. "This funding will help them teach another 5,000 or so second graders fundamental aquatic skills and knowledge needed to help them understand and respect the water."

"The expansion of swim programs in our city is an important step toward addressing the critical need for water safety education and accessibility, particularly in underserved communities where drowning risks are highest. Rising Tide Effect stands in solidarity with this initiative, reflecting our shared commitment to equipping communities with the skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water," said Kaitlin Krause, founder and executive director, Rising Tide Effect. "We applaud the mayor and his administration for bringing attention to this urgent issue and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure no one is left behind in building a safer, more inclusive future for all New Yorkers."

"Asphalt Green applauds Mayor Adams' commitment to water safety and this bold investment in the Swim for Life program. We are grateful to partner with the NYC Parks Department to help deliver Swim for Life instruction through our groundbreaking Wave Makers initiative, which is helping pave the way to free swim instruction for every second grader in the city," said Jordan Brackett, CEO, Asphalt Green. "This announcement is another critical step toward that goal. We look forward to helping expand those efforts, ensuring that every swimmer is equipped with the skills for a lifetime of safety and enjoyment in the water."

"We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Adams for making this vital investment in teaching children how to swim," said Dennis M. Walcott, president and CEO, Queens Public Library and co-chair, NYC Citywide Lifeguard & Aquatics Task Force. "As a result, thousands of kids will have free access to learning a lifelong skill that is as essential as it is enjoyable."

"The American Red Cross is proud to support the NYC swim initiative, which aims to expand swim safety and offer free swim lessons to 18,000 New York City youth," said Doreen Thomann Howe, regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. "Our goal is to work with our partners to help provide children with the opportunity to become water competent, learn how to be safer in, on and around water, and foster a lifelong love for swimming and its many benefits."

"The New York Public Library is proud to be involved in two major initiatives addressing some of the city's biggest challenges," said Anthony W. Marx, president, The New York Public Library. "As an institution dedicated to free access to knowledge, we are committed to closing the digital divide and are thrilled to work with Department of Housing Preservation and Development on a pioneering program that will provide free at-home WiFi to New Yorkers living in Section 8 housing. We are also excited that Bloomingdale Library will be redeveloped into a new, state-of-the-art branch as part of Mayor Adams' efforts to increase the city's housing supply."

"As an organization dedicated to equitable housing and community development in New York City, ANHD appreciates Mayor Adams' focus on making New York City affordable for all families," said Barika X Williams, executive director, Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD). "We believe strongly that every New Yorker, regardless of income or status, should have the opportunity to thrive here. We commend the announcement of the next Living Libraries site and highlight the pioneering efforts of ANHD's nonprofit, mission-oriented developer members in demonstrating the value of collocating affordable housing with libraries, setting a precedent for innovative urban development."

"I'm glad to see this administration taking steps to prevent family homelessness. This program will give babies a stronger foundation for their future," said Kadisha Davis, member, Impacted Advocates and owner, Kadisha Cares.

"It's a great idea that we are going to help our babies not be born into shelter. They're our responsibility too, not just their parents. Babies need a community to thrive, and I'm glad that the city is supporting parents in this way," said Rhonda Jackson, Family Homelessness Coalition Fellow and member of the Impacted Advocates.

"Every New Yorker needs a safe and stable home, especially our newborn children. The NYC Fund to End Youth & Family Homelessness celebrates the city's downpayment on a future where every baby born in our city begins their lives with a home," said John Kimble, senior advisor, NYC Fund to End Youth & Family Homelessness. "We know the first few years of life shape how our youngest New Yorkers grow into healthy and strong children and adults, and that's why they need a solid foundation. Investing in these critical first moments of life is one of the wisest and most successful investment choices we can make as a city, creating a measurable return - of more than seven times what we invest - in better outcomes for these children and our community. The NYC Fund to End Youth & Family Homelessness stands with the city in building a future where all babies, and all New Yorkers, have a home. We urge everyone who shares that vision to join us."

"It is very encouraging that the city is focused on ensuring expecting mothers find stable, permanent, housing prior to giving birth," said Shambhavi Manglik, senior program officer, Housing and Homelessness at Robin Hood. "Robin Hood learned during our prior Babies in Shelter Initiative that virtually all new mothers in the shelter system experience symptoms of depression. The consequences of untreated depression are profound: having a depressed mother is the single greatest predictor of adverse outcomes among children. Further, data from Robin Hood and Columba University's Poverty Tracker show that having a child can be an impoverishing event in and of itself. By connecting families to housing vouchers and permanent housing prior to the birth of a child, the city will help break the cycle of homelessness for thousands of children and families."

"Mayor Adams' State of the City address makes it clear that his administration is committed to providing real, proactive solutions to tackle our city's housing and homelessness crisis," said Shams DaBaron, Da Housing Hero. "His focus on creating opportunities for working-class New Yorkers, while investing in holistic care for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, demonstrates the kind of bold leadership that will transform lives. The mayor's commitment to ending street homelessness is a gamechanger that will literally save and improve the lives of countless New Yorkers, setting a new standard for how cities should care for their people. The transformation of Brigadier General Charles Young Field is especially personal to me. As someone who, as a teenager and young adult, slept in that park, my dream of stability and success seemed to be a dream deferred. But now, that same park will become Harlem's own Field of Dreams - a place where mentorship, mental health support, and job training will ensure that no one has to sleep there again. It will also ensure that the community is able to enjoy a safe and beautiful family friendly environment where they'll have the chance to pursue their dreams, empower their communities, and rise and thrive."

"We believe that the pathway to a stronger New York for everyone is investing in people to strengthen the New York community," said Roderick L. Jones, Ed.D, president, Goddard Riverside. "The mayor's investments in services that help the unhoused address the root issues that contribute to homelessness, with supportive housing as a foundation, form the right formula. We remain confident that fully funding services such as homeless outreach and psychosocial programming is essential to winning the battle against street homelessness."

"I am thrilled by the mayor's announcement today to expand Safe Haven capacity," said Muzzy Rosenblatt, CEO and president, Bowery Residents' Committee. "As one of the city's homeless outreach partners, and as the organization that first developed this innovative model 20 years ago, we know that safe havens are what unsheltered people need and want, and that they are a pathway from the streets and subways to housing and independence."

"We applaud Mayor Adams' commitment to providing additional services, support, and housing for our most vulnerable: unhoused, mentally ill, and substance abusers who suffer on our streets." said Tom Harris, president, Times Square Alliance. "Additionally, the Manhattan Housing plan will add much needed inventory and help create more 'live, work, play' communities in our city."

"Individuals and families in crisis need resources in order to stabilize their situation and be on solid footing to secure permanent housing," said Baaba Halm, senior vice president of programs, Enterprise Community Partners. "Today's announcement of additional funding for those experiencing homelessness will be a lifeline for those in emergency situations, particularly those with mental health or substance use challenges. We look forward to working productively with the city to ensure the effective execution of these needed resources."

"The Institute of Community Living commends the Adams administration for putting forward bold investments to support New Yorkers experiencing homelessness," said Jody Rudin, president & CEO, The Institute of Community Living (ICL). "We are encouraged by the innovative proposed models' focus on expanding behavioral health facilities with private rooms, increased clinical staffing, and scaled centers-key elements of dignified, person-centered care that fosters stability, recovery, and long-term success. ICL is proud to support this vision, which paves the way for a broader transformation of New York's behavioral health care system. We look forward to collaborating with NYC Health + Hospitals and city leaders to ensure these initiatives drive meaningful change in the lives of the New Yorkers who need them most."

"BronxWorks is in support of the mayor's initiative to improve mental health services available to those experiencing homelessness," said Eileen Torres, CEO, BronxWorks. "There continues to be a need for more short and long-term psychiatric beds in hospitals and treatment facilities. Additional safe haven beds are also needed to provide clinical services to this extremely vulnerable population. While there has been improvement in accessing inpatient care, additional options upon discharge are crucial. Specialized longer-term inpatient treatment beds have proven successful as it is difficult to properly address some of the serious mental health conditions street homeless individuals are facing without a longer recovery period and other support. BronxWorks is also in support of greater financial literacy resources and education for teens and young adults. These life skills prove invaluable, especially to underserved and at-risk groups. Together, with our community partners, we will strive to continue our work to help break the cycle of poverty."

"I am deeply grateful to the Adams administration for its steadfast commitment to expanding access to vital services for young people in New York City's foster care and juvenile justice systems," said Tracy Jenkins, executive director, The Center for Fair Futures. "The decision to bring Fair Futures to scale is a monumental achievement that will have a lasting impact on thousands of young lives. This enhanced funding allows us to provide the support every young person in care deserves - across all 25 foster care providers and nine juvenile justice providers. This expansion ensures that all young people in these systems have the tools they need to succeed. By offering high-quality, individualized coaching and tutoring, we're helping them unlock not just academic success, but also career opportunities and personal development. We remain committed to working with Administration for Children's Services and the 34 foster care and juvenile justice provider agency partners to ensure that every young person - from 6th grade through age 26 - has access to a coach and tutor, should they choose, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. We are proud of the progress we've made and excited to continue working with the administration, our partners, and the community to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive."

"I commend Mayor Adams and his team for the innovative investments announced today to address the needs of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers," said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO, United Way of New York City. "This sets us further along the path to ensuring that young people aging out of the foster care system have the best possible safety net with the expansion of Fair Futures. Further, by addressing the needs of new mothers and those facing mental health challenges who are also housing insecure, and by creating a loan forgiveness program for our college graduates that want to make New York their home, Mayor Adams is building a thriving city, safe communities, and the promise that this city can be affordable for all."

"Good internet access is essential for everyone, but the market has left millions of people disadvantaged without a good connection in their home," said Christopher Mitchell, program director, community broadband networks, Institute for Local Self-Reliance. "Public libraries have played a crucial role in expanding knowledge to everyone across the United States and we are thrilled to see the New York Public Library pioneering this solution to expanding knowledge and opportunity to those who have been left behind in the internet age."

"The Neighborhood Internet initiative is a groundbreaking step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that every household has the tools to thrive in a connected world," said Clayton Banks, CEO, Silicon Harlem. "By partnering with the New York Public Library, Mayor Adams is championing equity, access, and opportunity for underserved communities. This program will expand more providers for New York City, and will be able to close the divide finally, and represents the power of collaboration in transforming lives through technology."

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