New York City Mayor Eric Adams seized on a spate of recent high-profile attacks in the subway system as he pitched his vision for the city going forward, announcing Thursday an additional $650 million over the next five years to combat street homelessness and mental illness.
Adams, a Democrat, unveiled the new funding during his annual State of the City speech, touting the investment as a bulwark against heightened concerns about public safety, his signature issue.
The announcement comes as Adams readies for an upcoming trial on federal corruption charges, swirlingscandals within his police department and a crowded reelection contest. Speaking at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater, he centered his efforts at reducing gun violence and homicides, while vowing to bring additional resources to the subway system.
