Career Timeline of Eric Adams: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Eric Adams made an impact.
Eric Leroy Adams is the current mayor of New York City, assuming office in 2022. Prior to his political career, Adams served over 20 years in the New York City Police Department, retiring as a captain. He transitioned to politics, serving in the New York State Senate from 2006 to 2013, representing Brooklyn's 20th district. Subsequently, he was elected Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, making history as the first Black American to hold the role, and was re-elected in 2017. His career spans law enforcement and public service in New York City.
1984: Graduated Police Academy
In 1984, Eric Adams graduated second in his class from the New York City Police Academy.
1993: Second African American Mayor
In 1993, Eric Adams became New York City's second African American mayor since David Dinkins left office.
1994: Failed Congressional Run
In 1994, Eric Adams ran for Congress against Major Owens but failed to get enough signatures to make the ballot. He alleged theft of his petition signatures, but police found no evidence.
1995: Founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care
In 1995, Eric Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, an advocacy group for black police officers focused on criminal justice reform and addressing police brutality, following Rudy Giuliani's election as Mayor.
2006: Received MPA from Marist College
In 2006, Eric Adams received a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Marist College.
2006: Elected to New York State Senate
In 2006, Eric Adams was elected to the New York State Senate, representing the 20th district in Brooklyn.
2009: Marriage Equality Vote
In 2009, Eric Adams voted in favor of marriage equality in New York State and supported the freedom to marry during the debate.
2011: Supported Federal Investigation into Stop-and-Frisk
In 2011, Eric Adams supported calling for a federal investigation into the NYPD's stop-and-frisk practices.
March 12, 2012: Protested Trayvon Martin Shooting
On March 12, 2012, Eric Adams and other state lawmakers wore hooded sweatshirts in the legislative chamber to protest the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
November 5, 2013: Elected Brooklyn Borough President
On November 5, 2013, Eric Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President with 90.8 percent of the vote.
2013: Elected Brooklyn Borough President
In 2013, Eric Adams was elected as Brooklyn Borough President.
2014: Wrote Editorial on Police-Community Relations
Following the 2014 killings of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, Eric Adams wrote an editorial for the New York Daily News calling for police officers and the community to work together.
2014: One Brooklyn Fund Established
In 2014, Eric Adams established the One Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit for community programs, which was later criticized for potentially serving Adams's public profile and allowing "pay to play" contributions. The Department of Investigation (DOI) investigated the fund in 2014.
July 14, 2016: Lactation Room Bill Passed
On July 14, 2016, a bill introduced by Eric Adams requiring lactation rooms in municipal buildings providing services to the public was passed by the New York City Council.
2016: Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
In 2016, after receiving a diagnosis of type two diabetes, Eric Adams adopted a plant-based diet and began advocating for healthier lifestyles.
2017: Re-elected Brooklyn Borough President
In 2017, Eric Adams was re-elected as Brooklyn Borough President with 83.0 percent of the vote.
February 14, 2018: Response to Parkland Shooting
Following the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, Eric Adams joined efforts to demand stricter gun laws and supported reinstating solitary confinement after an officer was beaten at Rikers Island.
February 2020: Adams on Stop and Question
In February 2020, Eric Adams stated that stopping and questioning was a responsible form of policing.
October 2020: Published Cookbook
In October 2020, Adams published the plant-based advocacy cookbook, Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses, which also chronicles his health journey.
November 17, 2020: Adams Announces Mayoral Candidacy
On November 17, 2020, Eric Adams announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City in the 2021 election, becoming a top fundraiser among Democrats.
August 2021: Transition Team Chair Named
In August 2021, Eric Adams named Sheena Wright as chair of his transition team.
November 2, 2021: Adams Elected Mayor of New York City
On November 2, 2021, Eric Adams was elected Mayor of New York City, winning 67.4% of the vote.
November 4, 2021: Adams Announces Bitcoin Paychecks
On November 4, 2021, Eric Adams announced that he would take his first three paychecks as Mayor in Bitcoin and promote New York City as a cryptocurrency hub.
2021: Mayoral Campaign and Crime
During his 2021 mayoral campaign, Eric Adams's stance on crime and policing gained traction as crime rates rose in New York City.
2021: Contributor to Brotha Vegan Anthology
In 2021, Adams was a contributor to the anthology Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society.
2021: Authorized Grant for Plant-Based Curriculum
In 2021, Eric Adams authorized a grant from the borough to SUNY Downstate College of Medicine to establish a plant-based supplemental curriculum.
2021: Won NYC Mayoral Election
In 2021, Eric Adams secured the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City and subsequently won the general election against Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
February 23, 2022: Call for Return to Office
On February 23, 2022, Eric Adams urged New York City companies to rescind remote work policies, emphasizing the need for in-person workers to support local businesses.
March 16, 2022: Plainclothes Police Unit Revived
On March 16, 2022, Eric Adams officially revived a police unit made up of plainclothes officers, which had been disbanded by de Blasio in 2020.
June 2022: Affordable Housing Blueprint Unveiled
In June 2022, Eric Adams unveiled his administration's "comprehensive blueprint" for affordable housing, which was critiqued for lacking specific plans for rezoning or estimating new housing units.
2022: Became Mayor of New York City
In 2022, Eric Adams became the 110th mayor of New York City.
December 6, 2023: City of Yes Zoning Changes Approved
On December 6, 2023, the City Council approved the first proposal of Adams' "City of Yes" zoning changes, aimed at facilitating environmentally-friendly building renovations and rooftop solar installations.
May 21, 2024: Charter Revision Commission Created
On May 21, 2024, Adams established a Charter Revision Commission to suggest amendments to the New York City Charter, leading to five proposals that will be voted on November 5.
June 6, 2024: Second "City of Yes" Proposal Approved
On June 6, 2024, the second proposal of Adams' "City of Yes" zoning changes was approved, designed to allow businesses more operational flexibility.
October 15, 2024: Chauncey Parker Appointed Deputy Mayor
On October 15, 2024, Eric Adams appointed Chauncey Parker as the new Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
December 2024: "City of Yes" Housing Proposal Vote
In December 2024, the City Council is scheduled to vote on the third "City of Yes" proposal, intended to allow "a little more housing in every neighborhood" to address New York City's housing shortage.
