Adrienne Adams’ Final Address as Council Speaker
NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and colleagues address Supreme Court ruling on concealed carry laws. Thursday, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered what may be her final State of the City address at Jazz at Lincoln Center, as speculation mounts over a potential mayoral run. Opening the speech with the line, "Welcome to my grand finale," Speaker Adams laid out an ambitious vision for the city, addressing affordability, public safety, and equity.
She highlighted her past successes, including CUNY Reconnect, which has re-enrolled 47,000 students—mostly women and people of color—and the expansion of trauma recovery centers in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Speaker Adams also pledged to fight proposed budget cuts to libraries and parks, drawing a contrast with Mayor Eric Adams, who faces scrutiny over his handling of city finances.
The Speaker criticized Trump administration immigration policies, saying they are harming local businesses, Stating in her speech that Queens reporting up to a 50% drop in sales. On maternal health, she highlighted stark racial disparities, stating, “These deaths are not accidents. They are a disturbing pattern of injustice.”
Her speech comes as the 2025 mayoral race heats up. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a campaign despite past controversies, while Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is gaining momentum. With Mayor Eric Adams already facing an uphill battle litigating his federal corruption charges, a potential Adrienne Adams candidacy could shake up the race, and make the contest even more difficult for Mayor Adam's reelection.
WFUV’s Andrew McDonald reports.
