Maria Torres-Springer, New York City’s First Deputy Mayor and a key figure in the city’s housing and economic development, recently announced her resignation alongside three other high-ranking officials in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Her departure signals a major shakeup in City Hall, increasing uncertainty in the city’s housing policies.

Torres-Springer had been a stabilizing force in the administration, having previously led multiple city agencies, including HPD and the Economic Development Corporation. Mayor Adams had elevated her to the position of First Deputy Mayor from her role as Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce in October 2024. She took on the role following the resignation of Sheena Wright after her home was searched and phone seized as part of the sprawling number of investigations into the Adams administration.

Torres-Springer assumed oversight of the first deputy mayor portfolio and provided strategic direction and operational and budgetary oversight for the City of New York while continuing to manage her housing and economic development portfolio. Since becoming First Deputy Mayor in October, she played a crucial role in advancing the administration’s housing initiatives, including the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity text amendment, which aimed to update zoning regulations and create new housing opportunities across the city.

Adams-Trump Controversy Sparks Resignations

The resignation of Torres-Springer, along with Deputy Mayors Meera Joshi, Anne Williams-Isom, and Chauncey Parker, comes amid growing controversy surrounding Mayor Adams’ dealings with the Trump administration. The decision follows the Department of Justice’s filing of a motion to dismiss the corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, allegedly in exchange for his cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. In a joint statement, the four officials cited the “extraordinary events of the last few weeks” as the reason for their decision to step down, emphasizing their commitment to public service and the responsibilities they had sworn to uphold.

Torres-Springer expressed gratitude in her resignation letter addressed to her colleagues, acknowledging her colleagues’ dedication and the progress they achieved together. She cited significant accomplishments, including the passage of three major zoning initiatives under the "City of Yes" campaign, record-breaking financing for low-income housing, and securing funding for NYCHA improvements. These initiatives, she noted, were made possible by the collaboration of public servants committed to New Yorkers’ well-being.