Mayor Adams reflects on 2024 achievements, safety, challenges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams kicked off the New Year with an optimistic message to the press corps during his in-person media availability. He acknowledged the challenges and high expectations of his role while reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year.

“Another year, and I know sometimes it seems like I give you guys a hard time, but I look forward to Tuesdays. It gives me an opportunity to really share what we’ve done,” Adams said, before turning his attention to the city’s progress in 2024.

Adams praised the city’s coordination in handling large-scale events, especially as New Yorkers prepare for the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop. “We have some of the best people working together, including the NYPD, FDNY, and Emergency Management,” he noted. The mayor also emphasized that New York City’s expertise in hosting major events helped secure the 2026 World Cup, underscoring the city’s reputation for safely managing large crowds. However, he reminded residents and visitors to remain mindful of street closures and encouraged the use of mass transit.

On the subject of subway safety, Adams addressed concerns regarding recent high-profile incidents, acknowledging that while crime rates have generally decreased, perceptions of safety remain a critical issue. “We want to shift perceptions of safety,” he explained, revealing that 1,000 officers would be deployed to the subway system in January. Despite these efforts, the mayor emphasized the importance of ensuring that New Yorkers feel safe, not just be safe. “We need to focus on making New Yorkers feel safe,” Adams said, referencing his discussions with commuters who highlighted fears over random acts of violence in subway stations.

Adams also responded to a pressing question about his upcoming trial in April, a topic many New Yorkers have speculated about. “Talk to my attorney,” the mayor replied, acknowledging his ability to visualize outcomes but keeping his focus on the legal process ahead.

The mayor’s comments weren’t limited to safety; he also spotlighted his administration’s achievements. With nearly 65 million tourists visiting the city in 2024, Adams celebrated New York City’s rise to the second highest tourism numbers in its history. Additionally, he highlighted economic improvements, including creating 4.7 million jobs and financing a record number of affordable homes. “We’ve shattered affordable housing records for the second straight year,” Adams said proudly.

When asked about the resignation of former Chief Jeffrey Maddrey amid misconduct allegations, Adams reiterated his commitment to transparency. “I’ve been extremely proud of the knowns, but we can’t predict the unknowns,” Adams remarked, while acknowledging that the allegations would be properly reviewed by the relevant authorities.

As the year comes to a close, Adams remains focused on the city’s future, with plans to celebrate both the 400th anniversary of New York City and the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2025 and 2026. Reflecting on his leadership, he emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, offering a bold vision for the future of New York City. “Life is hard,” Adams concluded. “Do you wallow in despair or play the hand you’re dealt?”