MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT AFTER NEW YORK CITY BOARD OF ELECTIONS VOTES TO PLACE ALL OF CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION’S QUESTIONS ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today issued the following statement after the New York City Board of Elections voted to place all the 2025 Charter Revision Commission’s questions on the ballot this November:

“Today — in the face of the City Council’s illegal attempt to usurp democracy and strip New York City voters of their right to have a voice on issues that would eliminate barriers to housing — New Yorkers prevailed. I am pleased that the Board of Elections did not bend to pressure and did the right thing by following the law, allowing New Yorkers to vote on important proposals to address our city’s historic housing crisis.

“New York City faces an extremely low vacancy rate, and the independent Charter Revision Commission has identified key ways for voters to weigh in on city laws that have prevented us from building more housing faster. These ballot proposals will allow voters to decide to maintain the status quo or revise the process for building affordable housing and smaller projects, while preserving local voices. After extensive public hearings and input, the independent Charter Revision Commission voted to place these proposals on the ballot. Now, this November, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to decide — despite every attempt by the Council to strip those rights away.

“Despite this failed attempt by the City Council to limit the housing supply and make rent prices go even higher, when people show you who they are, believe them. This Council will now be remembered for trying to block voters from having a say in eliminating New York City’s barriers to housing and bringing down the cost of rent, but, in stark contrast, the Adams administration stands as the most pro-housing administration in the city’s history.

“To New Yorkers: we encourage you to read each of these proposals and come to your own decisions. And regardless of whether you decide to vote ‘yes,’ or ‘no,’ the important thing — and the thing that makes this the best country in the world — is that you get to decide without politicians trying to stifle your constitutional right to vote.”