Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams concluded his tenure at City Hall on a contentious note by vetoing 19 significant bills, which were aimed at enhancing protections for workers, street vendors, and immigrants, increasing affordable housing in New York City, and reforming the NYPD. The vetoes took place just hours before Adams passes the baton to incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Among the pivotal legislation Adams vetoed was the Street Vendor Reform Package, a measure intended to provide over 21,000 new vending licenses and establish a Division of Street Vendor Assistance within the city’s Small Business Services Department. In defending his position, Adams argued that the bills contradicted his goal of uplifting working-class New Yorkers, asserting they would exacerbate the already pressing affordable housing crisis, undermine small businesses through an “untested” new licensing system for vendors, and infringe upon state laws regarding labor and law enforcement.
Despite these vetoes, it is anticipated that the incoming City Council will attempt to overturn many of Adams’ decisions, as most bills passed with veto-proof majorities. Notably, the Community Opportunity for Purchasing Act (COPA), which would have prioritized local nonprofits in purchasing low-income residential properties, will require 34 votes to override Adams’ veto after narrowly passing the council floor.
Outgoing City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and presumptive incoming Speaker Julie Menin both criticized the vetoes. Speaker Adams stated the move reflected a prioritization of special interests over the needs of hardworking New Yorkers, emphasizing his belief that the vetoed bills were essential to ensuring accountability and transparency in city governance. Menin added that the council would explore next steps to ensure their legislative goals are upheld.
Amid a backdrop of celebration for the recently passed legislation, the threat of last-minute vetoes cast a shadow over the council’s final meeting of the year. Other notable vetoes included bills aimed at establishing requirements for city-financed affordable housing and the Safer Sanctuary Act, designed to restrict federal immigration authorities from operating on city lands under the Department of Correction’s jurisdiction.
The council’s new legislative session is set to begin in early January, where the fate of these bills will be addressed. While Adams’ vetoes mark a controversial conclusion to his administration, the incoming council appears committed to advocating for the interests of New Yorkers, fostering an environment of hope and progress in tackling housing and public welfare issues.