New York City Mayor Eric Adams has vetoed 14 City Council bills and resolutions since taking office in 2022, positioning himself as a counterweight to the Council’s progressive majority. His use of veto power marks a sharp contrast with his predecessor, former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who did not issue a single veto during his eight-year tenure.
Supporters of Adams say his vetoes are necessary to block legislation they view as unrealistic or harmful, while critics argue he’s using the power for political posturing.
“When the City Council pushes unserious or dangerous legislation, it’s the mayor’s duty to stand up and fight back,” said Councilmember Robert Holden, a moderate Democrat from Queens, praising Adams for blocking what he called “reckless bills.”
Key Vetoes from Mayor Adams:
- Solitary Confinement Ban: Adams vetoed a bill banning solitary confinement in city jails. The Council attempted an override, but a federal judge sided with the city in July 2024, preventing the law from taking effect.
- Police Reporting Requirement: A bill requiring NYPD officers to document all street stops was vetoed, but the Council overrode the mayor.
- Street Vending Decriminalization: Adams vetoed legislation aimed at easing restrictions on street vendors. The Council is expected to override that veto as well.
- Housing Voucher Expansion: The mayor vetoed a four-bill package to reform the city’s housing voucher program, arguing it would increase shelter stays and burden taxpayers. The Council overrode all four vetoes.
- Bronx Casino Zoning Measures: Six proposed zoning changes that could have blocked Bally’s $4 billion casino project on land owned by Donald Trump were vetoed. These bills lack the Council support needed for an override.
Clashes Reflect Broader Power Struggles
Mayor Adams’ vetoes are part of a larger political battle with the Council, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams (no relation). Conflicts have flared over issues including:
- A proposed $3 billion plan to eliminate 300,000 parking spaces near intersections
- A free trash bin distribution program
- The Council’s rejection of Adams’ nominee for corporation counsel, former federal prosecutor Randy Mastro
Mastro, who previously worked under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, was later appointed first deputy mayor by Adams.
Tensions date back to the mayor’s transition into office, when he failed to rally enough support for his preferred choice for Council Speaker, Francisco Moya. That loss signaled to many that Adams would face strong resistance from the progressive-leaning body.
“He showed he was an emperor with no clothes by losing his first high-profile fight,” said a former de Blasio aide.
De Blasio’s smoother transition in 2014 was aided by the successful speaker bid of his ally, Melissa Mark-Viverito.
Mayor’s Office Defends Vetoes
Adams’ critics suggest that many of his vetoes are more about appealing to centrist and moderate voters than governing. But the mayor’s office maintains that the vetoes are necessary.
“These laws are so extreme they defy common sense and undermine the Council’s own stated goals,” said mayoral spokesperson Kayla Mamelak. “Mayor Adams is standing up for working-class, law-abiding New Yorkers who know the difference between practical policy and political overreach.”
