New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered his fourth State of the City address at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Manhattan, outlining transformative initiatives to make the city safer, more affordable, and family-oriented.

Following a year of historic achievements, including record job creation, reduced crime rates, and groundbreaking housing legislation, Mayor Adams announced plans to tackle homelessness, expand playgrounds, improve financial literacy for students, and save working-class families millions.

The initiatives aim to establish New York City as the premier place to raise a family.

Prominent New Yorkers shared their support for the mayor’s vision. United States Representative Adriano Espaillat praised the choice of the Apollo Theater and Harlem’s cultural significance.

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar commended the administration’s focus on efficiency and solution-driven governance. Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers welcomed expanded public space access and free swim classes, highlighting their impact on communities like Southeast Queens.

Councilmember Yusef Salaam celebrated the new “Harlem Field of Dreams,” emphasizing its role in empowering youth. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson expressed a commitment to addressing economic and environmental challenges collaboratively.

Several councilmembers lauded specific programs. Lynn Schulman highlighted the “Schoolyards to Playgrounds” initiative for enhancing student recreation.

Oswald Feliz applauded efforts to bridge the digital divide in low-income areas. Sandra Ung and Shahana Hanif emphasized the importance of clean, safe parks, while Farah N. Louis endorsed programs addressing shelter diversion and public space cleanliness.

Housing advocates praised the administration’s pro-housing policies. Leaders like Kathryn Wylde, Michelle de la Uz, and Henry D. Rubio recognized the mayor’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis through zoning reforms, affordable housing projects, and innovative use of public land.

Industry leaders such as Manny Pastreich and Carlo Scissura highlighted the transformative potential of “City of Yes” initiatives, which promise 80,000 new housing units citywide.

Civic and labor leaders also voiced support. Gary LaBarbera emphasized union jobs’ importance in the proposed housing projects. Habitat for Humanity and the Center for NYC Neighborhoods commended expanded affordable homeownership opportunities.

Julie Stein and Barbara Blair acknowledged plans for mixed-use developments in key districts like Midtown Manhattan, which promise to address housing shortages and revitalize the city’s economy.

Arts and cultural advocates, including Coco Killingsworth of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, emphasized the need for continued investment in arts and culture as integral to the city’s vibrancy.

Mayor Adams’ address showcased a forward-thinking vision to create a safer, healthier, and more affordable city for families, cementing his administration’s commitment to a more inclusive New York City.