Mayor Adams highlights public safety, economic growth at CBC annual Gala

File Source: NYC.gov

Mayor Eric Adams delivered remarks at the Citizen Budget Commission’s (CBC) Annual Gala, emphasizing the critical link between public safety and economic prosperity in New York City.

Speaking to an audience of business leaders and policymakers, Adams underscored his administration’s achievements in reducing crime, boosting employment, and maintaining fiscal stability amid ongoing challenges.

“You know, no matter what you do, particularly the business people who are in this room, our economic stimulus package starts with public safety,” Adams said. “If we’re not safe as a city, then no one will come here with the fourth largest tourism in the history of our city. People will not take our subways, people will not walk our streets, your businesses will not operate.”

The mayor credited the NYPD and its leadership for significant crime reductions, citing record-low shootings and double-digit decreases in crime both above and below ground. “We have not surrendered to crime, we have not surrendered to disorder, and starting this year, in 2025, we have a 30-year low in shootings,” he stated.

Adams also touted economic milestones under his administration, highlighting the city’s highest level of private sector job growth in history, achieved eight times. He noted that one out of five small businesses in the city was started during his tenure. Additionally, his administration has removed over 20,000 illegal guns and 80,000 illegal vehicles from the streets, while also dramatically lowering child care costs from $55 a week to less than $5 a week.

Reflecting on the city’s resilience, Adams pointed to the administration’s handling of multiple crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to an influx of 230,000 migrants and asylum seekers. “We navigated out of COVID, we navigated out of violence, we navigated out of 230,000 migrants and asylum seekers with our North Star making sure that no child or family would sleep on the streets of the City of New York,” he said. “International immigrant leaders came to the city and said no one has done what New York City is doing and we’re going back to Washington to tell them you should be the model for the entire country.”

Adams concluded with a message of confidence in the city’s direction and gratitude to CBC for their guidance since his early days in office. “We got it right folks, don’t let anyone tell you that New York City is not thriving, moving forward. We have shown the compassion that this entire country should be known for and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Expressing appreciation for CBC’s insights dating back to 2021, Adams pointed to the city’s strong financial management, reinforced by positive ratings from agencies like S&P and Moody’s. “The seed was planted then and we nurtured it and ensured that the fruits of their harvest have been refilled throughout the years. Thank you, keep doing the great job you’re doing.”