The New York City Council voted Thursday to override four vetoes by Mayor Eric Adams, enacting legislation aimed at expanding pay equity, limiting housing costs for voucher recipients, and improving nonprofit payment processes. The measures passed with veto-proof majorities, despite objections from the mayor’s administration.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams highlighted the council’s focus on serving vulnerable residents, noting that it has “been steadfast in working for the people of the city of New York, particularly for the least of these and the most underserved populations.” She added that it was “unfortunate that the mayor abdicates his responsibility to working people” with regard to the legislation the council planned to override.
The bills include pay equity reporting requirements for large private companies, a cap on CityFHEPS rental contributions at 30% of monthly income, and codification of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services to ensure nonprofits are paid promptly. The overrides on pay equity and rent limitations passed 40–7, while the contracting measure was approved 46–1. The legislation was originally passed in October and vetoed by Mayor Adams in November.
Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán, Amanda Farías, Diana Ayala, and Speaker Adams sponsored the measures. Cabán emphasized the council’s focus on fairness, stating that the bills “are about accountability and equity for New Yorkers, especially the women and people of color who have been underpaid and undervalued for generations.”
The Adams administration maintained that the bills overreach and impose undue burdens on businesses. First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro criticized the bills, arguing that they “undermine any future mayor’s authority, burden businesses with unenforceable requirements, and encroach upon the state’s jurisdiction around social services,” framing the overrides as an overreach by the City Council.
Legal Aid praised the rent cap override, observing that the legislation will help more New Yorkers remain in their homes amid rising market-rate rents.
