On Tuesday, October 8th, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Maria Torres-Springer as the First Deputy Mayor. Torres-Springer, who served as Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, will oversee the first deputy mayor portfolio while continuing her vital work in housing and economic development. This change comes amid a broader restructuring aimed at stabilizing city leadership as Adams faces mounting challenges, including ongoing federal investigations.
Torres-Springer has over two decades of experience in public service, having worked under previous mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio. She now oversees the city’s day-to-day operations and is expected to streamline governance at City Hall
Torres-Springer has been instrumental in addressing New York City’s housing crisis and driving economic recovery. She played a significant role in initiatives that restored nearly one million jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and developed strategies to create accessible career pathways for New Yorkers. In a previous interview with LittleAfrica News, Torres-Springer discussed her unwavering commitment to public service and the importance of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to safe and affordable housing. Her personal connection to the Section 8 voucher program has fueled her passion for creating opportunities for those in need.
In making the announcement, Mayor Adams expressed confidence in Torres-Springer’s ability to tackle the city’s pressing challenges. “The first deputy mayor serves a critical role in our administration, providing the connective tissue across city government to advance priorities and ensure we are working together to deliver for New Yorkers,” he stated. “We are thrilled to elevate Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, whose more than two decades of experience leading multiple city agencies and executing one of the most successful housing and economic development agendas in the city’s history will serve as a solid foundation for our administration and best position us for the future. Maria has delivered for our city over and over again, and I know she will continue to do so in this new role.”
Adams praised Torres-Springer’s calm leadership, describing her as capable of “landing the plane” during a turbulent period.
“Throughout three mayoral administrations and leading three city agencies, my focus has been to provide steady, effective leadership while delivering tangible results for every New Yorker in every neighborhood,” Torres-Springer said. “Serving this city has been my life’s work. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for entrusting me with this role, and I am humbled to continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with the 300,000 public servants who work tirelessly to move our great city forward.”
Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, commended Torres-Springer’s appointment, emphasizing her qualifications. “The mayor has made a wise choice in appointing a seasoned professional and skilled manager as first deputy mayor,” Wylde remarked. “We have worked closely with Maria during three mayoral administrations and know she has the capabilities and character required to lead during a time of crisis.”
Steven Rubenstein, chairman of the Association for a Better New York, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Maria Torres-Springer has demonstrated her skill, integrity, and efficacy across three mayoral administrations and is an excellent choice by Mayor Adams to serve as first deputy mayor. She has depth and experience in both the government and the not-for-profit sector, and we know she will serve New Yorkers well.”
Torres-Springer’s promotion comes at a crucial time as the city continues to confront challenges related to housing affordability and economic development, with ongoing initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable New York City. She has over two decades of experience in public service, having worked under previous mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio.
As she steps into her new role, Maria Torres-Springer is poised to make a significant impact on the administration’s goals, continuing to drive progress in housing and economic development for all New Yorkers.
