I was born in Brownsville, raised in Bushwick, and as Brooklyn Borough President, I advocated for the interests of the city’s biggest borough for eight years.
Throughout my life, I have seen how much love and devotion Brooklynites have for our community — and how it inspires the world, too. “Brooklyn” is more than just a place we call home. It is a global brand that represents an authentic, exhilarating, all-American urban culture — and a destination for thousands of visitors and new arrivals every year.
As the 110th mayor of New York City, I am proud of our borough’s iconic reputation — and I want to make sure that no matter how many newcomers we welcome, we never leave behind those who have built their lives here. The cost of living may rise, but we must rise to the occasion and push back — for the people.
Our administration is determined to keep Brooklyn safe, livable and affordable for all. That is why we are expanding our efforts to help hard-working New Yorkers with the cost of housing, child care, health care, transit and more. That’s why our team is bringing benefits screenings and access directly to underserved neighborhoods, to help New Yorkers access more than 70 city, state, and federal programs that can make life in our city more affordable, including:
• The Earned Income Tax Credit, which puts money back into the pockets of working-class New Yorkers to help with rent, bills and groceries.
• The Child Tax Credit, which helps families afford the everyday expenses of raising a family, like school supplies and clothes.
• Our historic College Choice program, which helps students in foster care pay for tuition, as well as room and board at college.
• The Fair Fares program, which brings down costs of transit fares for young people, seniors, and low-income earners.
• Rent Freeze programs that help seniors stay in their homes.
• Big Apple Connect, which provides free high-speed broadband for NYCHA residents.
• And our life-changing Medical Debt Relief Program, which is cancelling billions of dollars in medical debt for New Yorkers who cannot afford to pay.
Putting money back into the pockets of New Yorkers is critical for everyone who lives here — older adults, young families, and, of course, our youth. We want every person who calls this city home to have access to the benefits that can make life more affordable and equitable.
Since taking office less than three years ago, our administration has helped New Yorkers save more than $30 billion through launching, administering and helping New Yorkers take advantage of programs across all levels of government.
I encourage all New Yorkers looking for answers and support to visit nyc.gov/moneyinyourpocket for a highlight of dozens of the benefits they may qualify for.
We are building a city that expands opportunity and prosperity to every neighborhood and community — especially my beloved Brooklyn. Spreading love may be the Brooklyn way, but we also want to spread the word that your city is working for you, your family and your neighbors.
Eric Adams is the mayor of New York City.
