City Council leaders and mental health advocates gathered Monday on the steps of City Hall to celebrate a $50 million commitment to public safety and mental health programs — while pressing Mayor Eric Adams to move swiftly on implementation and to close Rikers Island once and for all.
Speaker Adams Urges Immediate Jail Reforms and Service Rollout
The funding, approved in the fiscal year 2026 budget, is designed to expand access to mental health services and support networks citywide. Officials say the goal is to address root causes of crime, reduce jail populations, and create safer communities.
“The Council fought hard to secure over $50 million for vital mental health care initiatives and safety programs our neighborhoods have needed for far too long,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These investments will help address mental health challenges, responsibly bring down the jail population, and, ultimately, close Rikers permanently.”
Momentum Builds to Close Rikers
Rikers Island has come to symbolize decades of systemic neglect. So far in 2025, nine people have died while in custody. In May, a federal judge placed the jail under receivership, citing “ongoing violations of constitutional rights.”
The crisis deepened in June when two inmates died within 78 minutes of each other, sparking renewed outrage. Council members argue that Rikers has effectively turned into an unofficial mental health institution, with more than half its population diagnosed with mental illness.
“For years, the city’s inability to address the mental health crisis — and its refusal to embrace proven solutions — has allowed Rikers to operate as a default mental health facility,” Speaker Adams said. “The administration must act without delay.”
Mental Health Initiatives Viewed as Cornerstone of Reform
The budget allocation will support crisis intervention teams, mental health drop-in centers, and anti-recidivism programs to divert people from incarceration into treatment and care.
“Real rehabilitation means giving the city the resources to provide life-saving services, lower repeat offenses, and expand supportive housing for those who need it most,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Mental Health Committee.
Mayor Adams’ office has defended the administration’s approach, touting the fiscal plan as the “Best Budget Ever” and highlighting investments in shelters, addiction treatment, psychiatric services, and youth violence prevention.
Despite the praise, Council leaders warn that time is short — and that funding must be followed by urgent action.
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