Hear From The Mayor On BLS, Flag Raising For Guyana, Mixed Use/ Supportive Housing Announced,  Inviting Elected Officials To Ride Subway Overnight, Veterans and Servicemembers Week, NYC Signs Declaration Of Intent With Israel For Economic Council, 

Hear From The Mayor On BLS, Flag Raising For Guyana, Mixed Use/ Supportive Housing Announced,  Inviting Elected Officials To Ride Subway Overnight, Veterans and Servicemembers Week, NYC Signs Declaration Of Intent With Israel For Economic Council

Editor’s note: Last week, the Mayor’s rundown featured a special Mother’s Day edition of the Hear from the Mayor show on WBLS, along with changes to the involuntary commitment laws, and he also discussed the state’s budget and its wins for ordinary, everyday New Yorkers, as well as a discussion of his meeting with President Trump. 

MAYOR ADAMS HOSTS “HEAR FROM THE MAYOR” RADIO SHOW

Gary Byrd: Let’s welcome the 110th mayor of New York City, our brother Mayor Eric Adams. Eric, good morning and welcome.

Mayor Eric Adams: Hey thanks so much brother Gary and it’s great to be back speaking with you and our listening audience. And welcome back to another episode of Hear from the Mayor and I’m your Mayor Eric Adams and, if this is your first time tuning in, the purpose of the show is to hear from everyday New Yorkers a direct communication with me. 

Listeners should give me a call and hear from your mayor on what we are doing to build an amazing city, New York City. You can sign up to hear more from me by visiting nyc.gov/hearfromeric or you can sign up on our website to text with Eric and talk with me on WhatsApp. But today you can call in 212-545-1075, 212-545-1075. 

Before we get started, I want to just really reflect on the loss of our brother, George Floyd, five years ago. This is the anniversary of his death. And many of you know I spent my life fighting against any form of police abuse or misconduct, not only here in New York City, but across the entire nation. 

Going back almost 50 years ago, testifying here in the city with Reverend Herbert Daughtry and others when Congressman Conyers brought a congressional delegation here, and then speaking and testifying in federal court to the Floyd versus New York case to end the abuse of Stop and Frisk that was happening in this city. 

And so this is my life work and my life legacy. And so to the family members and countless number of individuals who have to deal with or dealt with police abuse, this is a moment of reflection. George definitely changed the conversation forever in our country. I wanted to just say to his family, our hearts are with you and our hearts are with all those who are victims of police abuse and victims of crimes. We believe no innocent person should be the victim of any form of abuse. 

So we want to move on with today’s broadcast. Tomorrow’s Memorial Day and today we’re talking about our administration’s effort to serve those who currently are or are serving in our armed service or those we’ve lost in our armed services. 

This past week, we marked Veterans and Service Members a week announcing efforts to connect veterans with jobs, improve housing, stability, and honor their service. We announced the homecoming of honor, a ticker tape parade. My guest is going to talk about that. This is the first ticker parade for post 9/11 service members in any big city in our country and our city is also creating a memorial in Queens to honor our service members 9/11 service members who were killed in action.

And finally, we will mark Military Appreciation Month. We announced discounts and benefits and cultural institutions across New York City from Saturday through tomorrow, May 26th. Listeners can go to newyorkcity.tourism.com/veterans to learn more. 

But I’m proud today, you know, to be here with a U.S. Army veteran and leading champion for those who are currently serving in our armed services to those who are not serving as well. Just a real solid brother, always good to be around you. He brings his A-game and his energy all the time. Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner James Hendon.

Commissioner, first, I want to thank you for your service and you’ll never forget our vets are really proud to have you as our commissioner of Veterans Service and Veteran Affairs. And he’s also joined and first general, his daughter is here in the house with you know and you know our children run the show, you know. 

So tell me brother what roles do public parades– everybody thinks it’s just a parade, but what role does a parade play when you do a homecoming parade for our heroes.

Commissioner James Hendon, New York City Department of Veterans Services:  Thank you so much for having Mr. Mayor and just to all veteran military families out there just happy Memorial Day season and we just wish all the best for our people. 

You know, we do these parades as a way to show love to our sentinels. This is what we do as far as doing right as a collective, as a community, doing right by those soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, coast guards, and guardians when we take the time to just say hey we appreciate you and all that you’ve given for us. 

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We’re so excited about this Homecoming of Heroes parade where we will next year honor our post-9/11 war veterans, those who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations to, you know, shower them with affection and appreciation for what they’ve done too. We’ve had ticker tape parades honoring returning militaries for every conflict since we first started ticker tape parades in the 1880s. 

And so, you know, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, this is the time as far as July 6, 2026, where we will have that homecoming for heroes for our brothers and sisters who served in these conflicts post the towers falling.

Mayor Adams: And so when you look at what we did this week when we had the Veterans and Service Members Week, why is it important to uplift our veterans during this time?

Commissioner Hendon: Well first off every day is Veterans Day, every day is Memorial Day and a part of doing these things this week is to accent the fact that men and women fought for all of us to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And so by affording people access to these cultural institutions, these restaurants, these museums, these other locations, it allows our brothers and sisters to take in those very things they’ve sacrificed so much for all Americans to be able to take advantage of.

Mayor Adams: You said something the other day when we had our Fleet Week celebration that really stunned me I believe it was either you or one of the secretary of the navy talking about the suicidal, suicide rates and the number of military personnel who, in comparison to dying on the field of battle, those who died by suicide. Was that you that gave me those numbers?

Commissioner Hendon: Yeh, we were– what we were talking about Mr. Mayor is, take these wars of Iraq, Afghanistan other locations you know, post 9/11. You had 2.9 million who served. 1.9 million went to Iraq or Afghanistan. The other 1 million went to places like Libya, Syria, and other contingency operations. More than half, like myself, deployed more than once. 

Of those who served, you had roughly 53,000. 53,436 were wounded in action. Six are missing in action. 7,064 were killed in action. 296 of those killed New York State, 105 connections to New York City. When we look at the number who died, 7,064, the number who died by suicide in just the first 20 years since 9/11 was 31,177. So more than four times as many died by suicide than died in conflict. 

And so we want to be sure to call these things out and make sure our brothers and sisters know they can reach out to us if they have any mental health needs or if they just need any help.

Mayor Adams: Now tell me why is that? What happens? You come home after serving. What happens? Is it the lack of service? Is it the loneliness? Is it from just battle, fatigue? What happens that will cause those numbers to be that high?

Commissioner Hendon: I think it’s a combination of things. One piece I’ll point out is something that is known as the deadly gap, where our brothers is more than two times as likely to die by suicide in that one year post leaving the military than at any other point prior to taking the uniform off or after taking the uniform off. 

And you can see this confluence of things where someone could be going through some economic hardship, have some housing issues, and that just amplifies other existing situations. And so this is why it’s so important what we’ve announced this week, Mr. Mayor.

What you announced as far as people when it comes to jobs and economic opportunities, making it easier for them to access housing, be it affordable housing and for those with disabilities to have better access to housing connect or make it easier for someone to transition from renting to owning. If you have one percent towards that purchase we can help you the rest of the way working with our friends at the State of New York Mortgage Agency [inaudible] society. 

And then looking at those who are currently housed and who own, having a property tax exemption for those who serve during peacetime areas to make sure that they can be able to take advantage of those things as well.

Mayor Adams: So it’s so important and there’s a term I hear all the time, self-identified. Well what does that mean and why do we have many who don’t self-identify?

Commissioner Hendon: So nationwide 34.3 percent of all veterans self-identifies. Comes down to 29.8 percent in the state of New York. Goes down to 24.1 percent in the City of New York. I tell folks “You see me, there are three other folks who are New Yorkers who you don’t see who have not come up and said I am a veteran.” We can’t help you if you don’t know who you are. 

There’s so many reasons why people don’t do that. We’ve just, you know, worked with CUNY on a study on this, and one of many reasons is folks may feel like their entire identity isn’t seen when they get out. So I’m not just a veteran, I’m also a Black man. I’m not just a veteran, I’m also a woman. I’m not just a veteran, I’m also someone of Muslim faith, etc. So not feeling like their entire identity is seen as one piece.

Another piece of this is oftentimes one of the original sins is that the when folks join the military they’re not being communicated to holistically it’s almost a transactional situation with that young service member about we’re talking about what you can do now that you’ve just joined but we’re not talking about you in all chapters of your life and your family and so we’re doing what we can to try to reconnect that.

Another piece of it is you have folks which are so humble, it’s a heightened humility. “Let somebody else take advantage of that. It’s okay, not me. Let somebody else.” And then another one of these reasons is it could be that when you were in uniform, you did something or something was done to you that you put in a box in the back of your brain, all the way in the back. You don’t wanna walk anywhere near that box. And part of self-identification is to walk near the box.

Mayor Adams: Yeah, I know yesterday I was with my nephew who did two tours as well. Well, you know, why does one go back and do another tour?

Commissioner Hendon: We love this country, we love what it represents and I always tell folks the thing about this work is you raise your hand, you serve, protect, defend. But it also is that, what separates these service members for folks who don’t serve, you’re saying “I will kill for this country. No matter who is in charge, no matter what the politics, what the media is saying, what the Congress is saying, who the commander-in-chief is, I love this country so much that I will be this instrument.” 

And so anyone who crosses the line and says they will do that, we appreciate them. And so when you have folks who say– I’m one of those folks, I’ve, you know, I’ve done my initial obligation from my Iraq tour, I wanted to go to Afghanistan, went on my way to volunteer because it was important to me, this was a need. And there’s so many other people like me who do this. 

And I also say to folks, when you look at the oath of office that people take over enlistment it trumps your marital vows, it trumps the commitment to your children, it trumps race, it trumps religion, politics and so many things. And so this is why it’s so important for us this season to love on our people not just by saying thank you but with the actual actions of whatever we can offer. What is our service to these servants? 

Mayor Adams: You know, I think about how young our servicemen are and women, how young they are. You know, I lost my uncle at 19. I can still remember the day, you know, going back in the 60s. It must have been about 65, 66, when the notification came to the house that Uncle Joe was not coming home. He died in Vietnam in battle. 

And, you know, you think about that dedication at a young age and many people see men and women of the military as some oppressive tool and not understanding that they’re just putting the love of their country in front of everything else. When you hear some of the anti-American energy, how does that impact you and how does it impact other vets? 

Commissioner Hendon: It hurts, but you put one foot in front of the other and you carry on, you do the work. As for me as a veteran I look to the other brothers who served and sisters who served in Vietnam and what they went through and I think to myself thank God for them and all that they sacrificed so that I, as a veteran, can walk and have more opportunities and things. 

And to us you know anyone does this work you protect the American experiment even if it doesn’t protect you back. And so we cannot forget when we talk about Vietnam, the youngest person to die was a New York City veteran Marine. He was 15 years old, the youngest Vietnam casualty. 

You look at our Chinese Americans who had so much systemic racism that they faced in this country, yet they disproportionately served in World War II. We look at our Puerto Rican brothers with the Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment in their service during the Korean War. We look at Native Americans, who are more– who have a higher propensity of service than any other ethnic group. So many people fighting to protect the experiment, no matter what. 

Mayor Adams: That’s powerful. We’re fighting against time. So we’re going to take a break and come back with our commissioner. Again, you can call in 212-545-1075. Powerful, powerful comments from our commissioner. We’ll be back in a moment.

[Commercial Break.]

Mayor Adams: Thank you brother you know I was having an interesting conversation with the commissioner offline and he was just breaking down the numbers of who’s served. But commissioner, if you can, just briefly go into the first Memorial Day, you know, this history is so important, the first Memorial Day.

Commissioner Hendon: May 1st 1865 and you had, you know, freed slaves who, they unearthed the bodies of 257 Union soldiers who would have been a mass grave. So it’s Charleston, South Carolina this location as a racetrack doubled as a POW camp where the Confederates are holding Union folks. 

So they took these 257 folks and they unearthed those bodies. They buried them appropriately and then they marched around that racetrack. It’s 10,000 folks and they had Black preachers and everybody come out to just show love and that’s the first recorded instance of what used to be called Decoration Day, but what we now know as Memorial Day.

Mayor Adams: Wow, and when you think about what you shared with me, who serves? The numbers in Vietnam, during the 60s, we were talking about African-Americans going through a difficult time. But talk about those numbers who serve in our American Indians.

Commissioner Hendon: What I was saying was the Vietnam example was, you know, in 1968, black people made up 11 percent of this nation, yet we were 16 percent of draftees and 23 percent of frontline combat troops during Vietnam. And you would talk about the young man’s name was Dan Bullock, New York City Marine Corps, 15 years old, the youngest Vietnam war death. 

And so just calling these things out with all these different communities where we fight to protect the experiment even when it doesn’t protect us back. It’s another one of the reasons we just try to love on our sentinels and their families 

Mayor Adams: And the Indigenous people you know they are five times–

Commissioner Hendon: Five, it’s five times more likely, it’s five times the national average. In other words, Native Americans, as an ethnic group, are five times more likely to serve than the national average as far as propensity to serve. And so that’s the group that serves in the greatest proportion in America

Mayor Adams: Those are– the history is important, you know. Having you lay it out often I sit in awe with your breadth of understanding of this, you know.

So we want to go to callers. If you’re a veteran or if you have a loved one that’s a veteran, please call in. And even if you just want to say something kind about a vet just call in. So please, caller you’re on the air, if we have any callers. Again the number is 212-545-1075. Caller you’re on the air.

Question: Good morning. 

Mayor Adams: Good morning. How are you?

Question: Hi mayor, this is [Brenda Lee]. I spoke with you– actually, you came to my job. I’m a 911 operator, and we talked about getting our bonus. And while the city did come to a resolution, but it was an unfair resolution. 

The issue is that we’re still getting penalized for taking our days off. If we take too much vacation in a six-month period of time, we’re penalized. If we get a mammogram, a male goes to get a prostate exam, or take any time or comes in late we’re still getting taken out. 

And even if you work more than 10 or 15 years because you have too much vacation, you’re getting penalized and it’s not fair. The initiative was for us to get more money because we work for the city, but to still get slapped back because you’re taking your own personal time off, it has to get fixed. And it’s like it wasn’t– it was just signed off and not really worked on. 

Mayor Adams: Brenda called in sometime ago and I told her I was gonna come to the job and see her and I did just that. And the team went and looked at what her concerns were and if you’re saying it wasn’t rectified, we will revisit it again. But I always live up to my commitments. 

If I say I’m going to come see someone or put someone on top of the issue, I’m going to do that. So let’s look, let’s re-examine what was the resolution to that and we’ll circle back to you Brenda, okay? 

I want to get the other callers also, you know. Because there are other folks on the air. We’re gonna get back to you and communicate with you. 

Caller you’re on the air.

Question: Good morning everyone and good morning Mr. Mayor. I wanted to say that I and my family will be voting for you because we do not agree with the hatchet jar they’ve been trying against you when they knew you were up for re-election. And bringing out Cuomo is just a straw man to take away votes from you. That’s number one. 

Number two, please take care of the road. Have DOT from Archer and Merrick going all the way down to Springfield and Merrick. Nothing but potholes. Our streets are being so neglected in our communities. 

Third thing, I had a police officer, I’m riding my bicycle, literally jumped in front of me. He could have caused me to have an accident as well as him to be injured and I’ll be charged with assaulting a police officer. They have police officers in our community still doing stop and frisk nonsense which is a bit too much. 

Full disclosure, I have police in my family so I’m definitely for the police department but some of your officers are being overzealous and it needs to stop, mayor. You need to talk to them. 

On that note, I wish you so much luck on your upcoming election and please people do not fall for the hokey-doke the mayor is for us.

Mayor Adams: Thank you, really kind of you. We’re gonna look at that stretch of real estate that you talked about, you know, because that was my old neighborhood. 

And that was interesting what you said about the– someone jumped in front of you while you were– the police jumping in front of you while you’re on your bike. So get that information over to my office. I want to find out more about that, but we’re on top of that road. I’m gonna have Commissioner Rodriguez look into that. 

We are out of time. Hug a vet, you know, participate in the parades, the local parades throughout the entire city, but let our servicemen know that we fully understand that we sit under the tree of freedom that they water with their blood. Thank you so much and have a great, great Memorial Day.

Mayor Eric Adams hosts an episode of his “Hear from the Mayor” radio show on WBLS 107.5 FM.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosts an episode of his “Hear from the Mayor” radio show on WBLS 107.5 FM. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Gracie Mansion. Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS DELIVERS REMARKS AT FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY FOR GUYANA  

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much. One thing I’ve learned is that Guyanese do not hesitate to tell you they’re Guyanese. You know, you look at the administration and you see a reflection of the diversity and the beauty of this city. 

And when you bring all of the energies together, it shows how we can produce a great product. This is the only country where you are told not to leave your culture behind. We want you to infuse your culture with the experience here. 

In 59 years of independence, it is an amazing opportunity to lift the flag. Three years ago, for the first time, the Guyanese flag was raised here at Bowling Green. We made it clear under Commissioner Castro over at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs that the immigrant community is a vital entity to this city and to this entire country. 

And when we raise your flags here, we state that we see you, we acknowledge you, we thank you for what you do. We see you in our hospitals, our small businesses, in our schools, our law enforcement community. We see you all throughout the neighborhoods. 

As the poster behind me reflects how the Guyanese community, there’s little Guyana throughout the entire city. So we raise your flag today because you have raised our hope and aspirations in this great city we call New York. Happy Independence Day. 140,000 strong Guyanese in this city. Keep doing the great things you’re doing. 

Intrepid Museum’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks at the Intrepid Museum’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony. Monday, May 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF MIXED-USE AFFORDABLE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BROOKLYN

$214 Million City-State Partnership Will Bring 343 New Units of Affordable, Supportive, and Transitional Housing

Development Furthers New York City’s 15/15 Initiative to Create and Preserve Supportive Housing That Uplifts Vulnerable New Yorkers with Wraparound Services

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Logan Fountain, a new affordable housing development in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn that will deliver more than 340 new units of affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to New Yorkers. The project has transformed a vacant gas station into affordable housing, transitional housing for homeless families, and new retail space. With 343 total units, the new building includes 173 permanent affordable apartments and a 169-units of transitional housing, as well as one unit reserved for a super. The development is a city-state project with investments from the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), the New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

“Every day, we are working to make New York City more affordable, and our whole-of-government approach is allowing us to partner with Governor Hochul and the state today to deliver over 340 units of affordable and transitional housing,” said Mayor Adams. “This project will provide exactly the type of long-term stability our families need to help them thrive — providing them access to on-site services, resources, and housing. We are thrilled to open this world-class building with crucial supports and energy efficient designs that will make a lasting impact on hundreds of families, and which will serve as a model for how we can smartly address our decades-long housing crisis.”

“It’s simple: the only way to address the housing crisis is to build more housing,” said Governor Hochul. “New Yorkers deserve a safe, stable and affordable home. By working together with Mayor Adams and our partners in New York City, we can address the needs in all of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods and create the types of modern and sustainable homes that uplift communities and allow families to grow.”

Operational funding for the supportive units at Logan Fountain is being provided by the New York City 15/15 Supportive Housing Program. As part of Mayor Adams’ “Best Budget Ever,” the Adams administration announced a new vision for the 15/15 initiative, which will invest $46 million to help create and preserve 5,850 units of supportive housing. The administration has also allocated $24.7 billion towards affordable housing through the city’s largest-ever 10-year capital plan and $339 million to revitalize New York City 15/15.

Logan Fountain is another example of DSS’ efforts to transform the transitional housing system by investing in innovative, high-quality transitional housing models and the city’s not-for-profit provider network. The $214 million project to redevelop the vacant site into a mixed-use hub for families was identified in the New York City Department of City Planning’s East New York Neighborhood Plan. Hudson Companies will serve as the project developer, while Jericho Project will provide onsite support services, and HELP USA will operate transitional housing within the building.

Logan Fountain will offer 173 affordable apartments, available to households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Logan Fountain was designed to appeal to families of different sizes and has a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, the building includes ground-floor retail, play areas, a fitness space, and a courtyard.

Of the 173 affordable units, Logan Fountain has 105 supportive housing units, reserved for individuals and families in need of onsite support services, including case management, career counseling, mental health support, and referrals to healthcare. Finally, Logan Fountain will host 169 units of transitional housing for families with children. Operated by HELP USA, the transitional housing will provide on-site services, including case management, clinical care, employment counseling, and housing placement support to residents. Logan Fountain is supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and DSS’ not-for-profit owned transitional housing model. HCR’s program generated nearly $50 million in equity and $18 million of long-term bond financing from its Housing Finance Agency. DSS’ 30-year contract is helping to facilitate financing for the development and not-for-profit ownership of the transitional housing apartments.

Additional support includes $24 million from HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, $1 million in discretionary capital funding from the New York City Council, and $200,000 in incentives from the New York state Energy Research and Development Authority. The site is also participating in the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and will be eligible for approximately $9 million in tax credits to be issued by the New York state Department of Taxation and Finance.

“The Logan Fountain is an exemplary project that transforms underutilized city space into much-needed supportive and transitional housing for vulnerable families,” said New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrator Joslyn Carter. “At DHS, we are committed to reimagining the shelter system through innovative, high-quality models and strong provider partnerships that enhance our delivery of services and strengthen pathways to long-term housing stability for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to our partners at HELP USA, The Hudson Companies, and others as we continue to raise the bar on the physical infrastructure of our shelter system.”

“HCR’s investment in affordable housing will bring benefits to Brooklyn’s Cypress Hills community for generations to come,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “With affordable apartments, family-friendly amenities, and energy-efficient features, Logan Fountain demonstrates the potential that housing can have on the lives of New Yorkers and the future of our neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to addressing the housing crisis in Brooklyn, and we appreciate the continued collaboration and support from City Hall and our partner agencies.”

“Logan Fountain stands as the largest project of its kind in New York City—a truly groundbreaking achievement that brings much-needed housing and social services to East New York,” said David Kramer, president, Hudson Companies. “Today’s ribbon-cutting marks the transformation of a long-vacant site into a vibrant, mixed-use development designed to support and uplift our most vulnerable residents and tackle the city’s housing crisis. We’re deeply grateful to Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul for their support in bringing this development to life and to The Jericho Project and Help USA for their vital role in delivering these essential social services.”

“Jericho Project is honored to provide support to the 105 families residing in Logan Fountain’s supportive housing complex — a critical initiative made possible through strong public and private partnership,” said Tori Lyon, CEO, Jericho Project. “Through our integrated service model, which includes mental health care, employment support, family counseling, and housing stabilization, our experienced staff will help ensure these families have the tools and support necessary to thrive.”

“HELP New Leaf Family Shelter at Logan Fountain is a powerful example of what’s possible when the city and state work in true partnership with nonprofits and private developers,” said Dan Lehman, president and CEO, HELP USA. “This shelter stands on the site of ‘HELP 1’ — our very first family shelter — which opened in the 1980s and set a national standard for transitional housing. As we celebrate HELP USA’s 40th anniversary and our work serving more than 30,000 people each year, New Leaf reflects all we’ve learned since then — a new model of care, services, and design built to meet the complex needs of today’s families. Logan Fountain is more than a building — it’s a commitment to dignity, stability, and opportunity for families rebuilding their lives.”

Mayor Eric Adams announces a comprehensive, multi-agency plan that will protect New Yorkers via air, land, and sea and ensure they enjoy a safe and healthy summer
Mayor Eric Adams announces a comprehensive, multi-agency plan that will protect New Yorkers via air, land, and sea and ensure they enjoy a safe and healthy summer. Orchard Beach, Boardwalk, Bronx. Friday, May 23, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS INVITES CITY, STATE, AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS TO RIDE ALONG WITH SUBWAY OUTREACH TEAMS DURING MIDNIGHT SHIFTS 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today invited city, state, and federal elected officials from across the five boroughs to join administration officials and the municipal teams working to connect people with severe mental illness on the city’s subways with the support they need. The elected officials, representing all levels of government, are invited to join PATH teams — innovative outreach teams that connect the hardest to reach New Yorkers with support — as part of their nightly tours.

Following years of Mayor Adams’ advocacy, Albany lawmakers recently voted to reform New York state’s involuntary commitment law to help more New Yorkers get help, even when they do not recognize their own need for it.

“Since day one, I’ve been clear that denying a person life-saving psychiatric care because their mental illness prevents them from recognizing their need for it is an unacceptable abdication of our moral responsibility,” said Mayor Adams. “Since the beginning of our administration, we have remained committed to this work, even when some of the loudest voices once called it ‘deeply problematic’ and an ‘overreach’. Thanks to our partners in Albany, we’ve made progress, but many elected officials still misunderstand this critical work. I’m urging elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels to witness this important work firsthand by joining a nightly tour where our outreach teams conduct the important work of connecting the hardest-to-reach New Yorkers with vital support. There is still much more to do, and we need collaboration across all levels of government to ensure that people living with severe mental illness receive the care they deserve.”

Mayor Adams was one of the first and has been one of the loudest elected officials to call for wider use of involuntary removals and commitments. In February 2022, two months after taking office, the Adams administration announced the ‘Subway Safety Plan’ to address unsheltered homelessness. Later that year, the Adams administration released a major policy shift for the city that expanded the city’s work to get people involuntary help.

Mayor Adams has extended the invitation for evening ride alongs that will take place on an on-going basis.

Mayor Eric Adams holds a roundtable discussion with leaders in the Pakistani community
Mayor Eric Adams holds a roundtable discussion with leaders in the Pakistani community. City Hall. Thursday, May 22, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

MAYOR ADAMS TAKES ACTION TO GET MORE VETERANS HOUSED AND GOOD JOBS, “KICKS OFF VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS’ WEEK” 

Adams Administration Renews Support for Cold War Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption, Expands Interest-Free Home Loan Options, and Simplifies Access to Housing and Jobs for New York City Veterans 

Part of National Military Appreciation Week, New York City’s Fleet Week, and Lead up to Memorial Day, Adams Administration Launches “Veterans and Service Members’ Week,”

Uplifting City’s Efforts to Serve Those Who Have Served Fellow Americans

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon today kicked off “Veterans and Service Members’ Week” — coinciding with national Military Appreciation Month — by announcing a series of strategic initiatives focused on strengthening housing stability and enhancing employment opportunities for veterans and their families. These initiatives reaffirm Mayor Adams’ commitment to placing veterans at the center of New York City’s broader economic agenda, ensuring that those who served this nation can thrive in the greatest city in it. Mayor Adams’ Veterans and Service Members’ Week aims to uplift the city’s efforts to serve those who have served the United States, including the 210,000 veterans who live in New York City.

“Our veterans and service members put their lives on the line for our country, fighting to defend our way of life — that’s why our administration will always have their backs,” said Mayor Adams. “With over 210,000 veterans living in our city, Veterans and Service Members’ Week and National Military Appreciation Month is about ensuring we give all our military members — both past and present — the support and resources they need and deserve. Through smart, targeted investments, we are connecting New York City’s veterans to affordable housing, job opportunities, and more as we deliver a safer, more affordable city to all, including those who have and continue to serve our nation.”

“Today, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by taking concrete steps to support those who returned home. Streamlined access to housing and expanded employment support directly translate into a stronger, healthier veteran community,” said Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Hendon. “These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to fulfilling that responsibility.”

The Adams administration has been focused on delivering for veterans and service members, including by fostering new opportunities for veterans as they build the next chapter in their careers. In an eight-month period, between November 2023 and June 2024, the administration contacted over 10,500 New York City veterans and connected them with referrals for various supportive services as part of “Mission: VetCheck,” a partnership between the Department of Veterans’ Services and New York Cares that enlists volunteers to make supportive check-in calls to veterans across the city, creating a crucial point of connection between veterans and their community to provide resources and information about public services, including mental health services, free meals, housing resources, and employment information.

Building on these accomplishments, the Adams administration is announcing four key strategic initiatives focused on helping veterans secure affordable housing and job opportunities:

Renewed Advocacy for Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption

New York City is renewing its call for the passage of the Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption, a measure that would extend long-overdue property tax relief to veterans who served honorably during periods of peacetime. While New York state authorizes three categories of veteran property tax exemptions, New York City currently implements only two, making it the only major tax jurisdiction in the state that has not adopted all three.

The Adams administration is announcing support for Intro No. 0740-2024, a New York City Council bill that would correct this imbalance. If enacted, the law is expected to provide an average annual benefit of $938 to approximately 11,000 eligible Cold War-era veteran homeowners while bringing New York City into alignment with statewide norms — ensuring parity for veterans who stood ready to serve, even in times of uneasy peace.

Interest-Free Homeownership Loans for Veterans

To help veteran families build long-term stability through homeownership, the Department of Veterans’ Services has partnered with the Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) and the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) to launch the HFLS Veterans Homeownership Loan Program.

The program offers zero-interest, no-fee loans of up to $30,000 — capped at 2 percent of a home’s purchase price — for veterans purchasing homes through SONYMA’s Homes for Veterans program. Loans are repayable over five years through monthly installments, providing vital financial flexibility at the critical point of purchase. This initiative is designed to close affordability gaps and enable more veterans to put down permanent roots in New York City neighborhoods.

Simplified Housing Access for Veterans with Disabilities

The Department of Veterans’ Services, in collaboration with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, has streamlined the NYC Housing Connect application process to make it faster and more accessible for veterans with disabilities. Under the revised policy, veterans applying for affordable housing through NYC Housing Connect can now have their disability status certified directly by a supervisor at either the Department of Veterans’ Services or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Previously, applicants were required to obtain certification from a licensed medical provider. This change eliminates that requirement, allowing licensed clinical social workers or designated civil servants at the Department of Veterans’ Services or the VA to complete the necessary third-party certification. The updated process reduces administrative barriers and expedites housing access for qualified veterans.

Targeted Employment Support for Veterans

Since January 2025, the Department of Veterans’ Services has provided direct, personalized support to nearly 100 veterans navigating complex job transitions, including many impacted by federal workforce reductions. Through one-on-one guidance, résumé support, job matching, and skills translation, the Department of Veterans’ Services has helped veterans secure new roles, access job training, and take meaningful steps toward long-term career growth.

Veterans supported by the Department of Veterans’ Services have recently been placed at agencies and institutions across both the public and private sectors, including at the New York City Department of Buildings, New York City Emergency Management, the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Northwell Health, Morgan Stanley, and Macquarie Capital.

The Department of Veterans’ Services continues to expand its employment partnerships across industries to connect veterans with careers that match their experience, leadership skills, and aspirations. Veterans seeking employment support are encouraged to visit the Department of Veterans’ Services website to connect with a specialist.

Solidarity Press Conference
New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosts interfaith leaders to denounce the antisemitic murders of two Israeli embassy workers last night in Washington, D.C., at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

NEW YORK CITY AND ISRAEL SIGN DECLARATION OF INTENT TO LAUNCH NYC–ISRAEL ECONOMIC COUNCIL 

Historic Declaration of Intent Reconfirms New York City’s Solidarity with Israel, Opens Five Boroughs to More Economic Opportunity

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat today signed a Declaration of Intent establishing the New York City–Israel Economic Council, a joint initiative that will strengthen economic ties and promote innovation between the two governments. Starting today, the council will facilitate business partnerships between New York City and Israeli companies; support Israeli businesses looking to establish a presence in New York City; promote collaboration in key technological sectors, including environmental innovation, life sciences, and artificial intelligence; and coordinate participation in major business and technology conferences.

“Today, our administration is proud to launch the New York City–Israel Economic Council to deepen economic ties between our governments and serve as a gateway to the U.S. market for Israeli businesses — forging partnerships with New York City companies; advancing innovation in areas like environmental tech, life sciences, and AI; and helping Israeli startups establish a home in the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement of a Declaration of Intent reflects a proud tradition of New York City mayors collaborating with Israel, and will drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two governments.”

“It is a tremendous honor to establish this joint council with one of the world’s greatest cities: New York City. A global hub of innovation, creativity, and economic leadership, New York represents a powerful partner for Israel’s thriving business ecosystem,” said Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat. “The creation of this council reflects a strong vote of confidence in the vitality of Israeli innovation and in New York’s position as a gateway to global markets. This agreement will have a very positive impact on the international exports from Israel’s market, establish a stronger presence of Israel’s renowned innovation in New York City, and open opportunities in sectors such as fintech, health tech and life sciences, high tech and software, defense and public safety, environmental innovation, and agro-food tech. This initiative opens new opportunities for Israeli companies to engage with the dynamic New York market, while contributing meaningful value to the city’s diverse economy. We extend our deep gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams for his enduring friendship and partnership with Israel, his commitment to strengthening economic ties, and his unwavering support for Israel on the international stage.”

The Mayor’s Office for International Affairs is spearheading the initiative, partnering with the council made up of representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office and Israel’s Economic Mission to the United States. While the Declaration of Intent is nonbinding, it underscores a strong mutual commitment and a long history of collaboration between the two governments.

The council will meet regularly and follow jointly developed guidelines, and will focus on partnerships in economic development, emergency management, education, and technology. New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and today’s agreement reinforces the longstanding bond between these two communities.

Today’s announcement adds to the long history of collaboration between New York City and Israel and highlights the proud tradition of New York City mayors supporting the Jewish state. In May 2025, Mayor Adams established the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism — the first office of its kind established in a major city across the nation — to address an unprecedented rise in antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate in New York City, and to ensure Jewish New Yorkers feel safe

“The launch of the New York City–Israel Economic Council is a powerful example of what’s possible when two innovative governments come together,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Ed Mermelstein. “This initiative not only strengthens the deep and historic bond between New York and Israel, but it also opens the door to real economic opportunity — from cutting-edge tech partnerships to job creation right here in our five boroughs. Today’s announcement is a smart, strategic move that reflects this administration’s steadfast support for our Jewish brothers and sisters, and our commitment to building a prosperous future in New York City.”

“The NYC–Israel Economic Council represents both strategic partnership and moral clarity,” said Moshe Davis, executive director, Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. “As antisemitism rises globally, New York City is responding with substantive collaboration in key sectors like environmental innovation and artificial intelligence. This council will not only drive opportunity and growth, it will demonstrate that the world’s greatest city stands firmly with Israel and the Jewish people.”

“The launch of an NYC-Israel Economic Council will pave the way for Israeli businesses and startups to establish a presence in New York City,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “As the applied AI capital of the world and home to a robust tech ecosystem, New York is a place where Israeli startups and businesses can continue to thrive. With Israel’s strong tech sector and leadership in future-focused sectors, we look forward to the innovation and partnership that will come from this Economic Council.”

“Today’s historic agreement is another example of the unbreakable bond between the State of Israel and the City of New York,” said Consul General from Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis. “Thank you, Mayor Adams, for your bold commitment to the people and the State of Israel”

Banner Image:  Intrepid Museum’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks at the Intrepid Museum’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony. Monday, May 26, 2025. Image Credit – Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office