City Council scrambles to reassert control in power struggle with Eric Adams after mayor’s ballot wins

The New York City Council is scrambling to reassert control in its ongoing power struggle with Mayor Eric Adams after a painful defeat on the November ballot.

Lawmakers voted 49-1 to establish their own Charter Revision Commission on Wednesday — after voters backed four out five initiatives “rushed” onto the ballot this year by a Hizzoner-backed temporary panel pols called a “sham.”

The council’s efforts could be for naught, if Adams decides to create another commission that would again supersede its efforts, per state laws.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams — who is not related to the mayor — blasted the possibility of the mayor’s own panel as “political weaponizing.” The mayor’s previous commission is inactive after its ballot proposals were passed last week.

“The mayor’s recent charter revision commission, composed solely of his appointees, rushed the process to put proposals two through six on the ballot without any meaningful input or consideration from New Yorkers,” she snapped during a press briefing at City Hall on Wednesday. 

“It would be a great mistake for the mayor to attempt to repeat an abusive and undemocratic use of another charter revision commission that is entirely self serving.”

November’s ballot initiatives emerged after the mayor opposed a plan introduced by the speaker which would have given the council more power to confirm the leaders of city agencies.

At the time, Speaker Adams claimed the mayor was trying to crown himself “king” of New York by proposing new mandates that would make it tougher for lawmakers to pass bills.

A city spokesperson said the mayor’s commission gave New Yorkers a chance to “share their vision for a safer, more affordable city.”

Over 750 New Yorkers attended CRC meetings and more than 2,300 made hand-written submissions, the city confirmed.

At November’s ballot, all but one proposal — which would create a new role to support minority and women-owned businesses — passed.

Among those passed in deference to the council included a measure which would allow the mayor’s budget office to issue reports on the financial impacts of bills under consideration and another that would require lawmakers to give a 30-day notice on public hearings for legislation involving public safety agencies.

Speaker Adams downplayed the results, saying the proposals “passed with the narrowest margin” and because voters had insufficient time to fully understand the proposals.

The council’s new temporary commission hopes to “improve transparency and accountability” and would consist of 17 members appointed by the speaker, mayor,public advocate, comptroller and all five borough presidents, Speaker Adams said.

It would also be empowered to submit proposals to revise the city charter after reviewing submissions at least eight months before the 2025 general election and at least 20 months before the 2026 general election.

The mayor’s office did not confirm whether it would establish another commission.