Mayor Eric Adams has held a comprehensive media availability to address a broad range of topics from public safety to immigration policy, ongoing housing initiatives, and the city’s financial health.

Speaking at the newly unveiled LGBTQ+ Museum wing—a project supported by a $10 million city allocation—Adams reflected on New York’s accomplishments and challenges, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to safety, affordability, and inclusivity.

Kicking off his remarks, Adams praised city agencies for a successful Thanksgiving weekend and the seamless execution of the annual parade despite weather challenges and attempted disruptions. “Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” Adams asserted, emphasizing that November marked significant crime reductions.

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“Crime is down this year as we move into the final month, with decreases in homicides, robberies, and transit crimes,” he noted, adding that the city now boasts the safest subways in 14 years. Black Friday and the parade, he highlighted, generated critical revenue, reinforcing the city’s financial stability.

The mayor lauded progress on the “City of Yes” initiative, set for a City Council vote this week, which aims to streamline zoning for housing development. Despite concessions reducing the projected new units from 108,000 to 80,000, Adams defended the initiative as a “historic win” for affordability. “We will have more new homes zoned than any administration in the last half-century,” he stated.

Adams also spotlighted the “Future Ready NYC” program, which equips 15,000 high school students with career-ready certifications and internships in fields like HVAC, decarbonization, and social services. “This is about giving young people real-life experience and opportunities while they’re still in school,” he explained.

On immigration, Adams responded to questions about the city’s role under a Trump administration. While reaffirming opposition to “mass deportations,” he stressed the need for a balanced approach. “We must secure our borders and address individuals harming our citizens. But hardworking, law-abiding migrants deserve a path to the American dream,” he said. Adams highlighted NYC’s leadership with its asylum application center and advocated for work authorization to address labor shortages.

He expressed willingness to collaborate with the federal government while maintaining New York’s progressive values. “I’m not warring with this administration. I’m working with it,” he remarked, calling for a dialogue with the newly appointed border czar.

Reflecting on the $6.4 billion spent on managing the migrant crisis, Adams warned of its lasting impact on NYC’s future. “That money could have funded thousands of counselors, youth programs, and police officers,” he lamented. “We haven’t seen the full cost yet, but it has undoubtedly hurt our ability to invest in our city’s future.”

Addressing concerns over long emergency room wait times and healthcare worker retention, Adams assured that ongoing union negotiations would balance fairness for workers and fiscal responsibility.

“We’ll land the plane on these contracts while protecting taxpayers’ dollars,” he pledged.

Throughout the availability, Adams projected confidence in his administration’s ability to navigate complex issues. “You keep saying what I can’t do, and I keep doing it,” he quipped, defending his record on public safety, housing, and crisis management.