New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the appointment of Maria Torres-Springer as the new first deputy mayor, marking a significant leadership change in his administration.
Torres-Springer, who previously held the role of Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, will now oversee strategic operations and provide budgetary oversight for the City of New York.
“Serving this city has been my life’s work. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for entrusting me with this role,” Torres-Springer said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
In addition to her new responsibilities, she will continue to manage her existing housing and economic development portfolio, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing New York City’s ongoing housing crisis and economic challenges.
“Maria has delivered for our city over and over again, and I know she will continue to do so in this new role,” Mayor Adams said, praised Torres-Springer for her dedication and leadership.
AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
The appointment was effective Tuesday, Oct. 8, following the planned departure of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who had been a key figure in Mayor Adams’ administration.
In her previous role, Torres-Springer spearheaded various initiatives aimed at accelerating the city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership helped the city regain nearly one million jobs lost during the pandemic and lowered Black and Latino unemployment by nearly 30 percent. She was also instrumental in launching the “Get Stuff Built” plan, designed to accelerate housing production in New York City. This initiative, along with other housing projects, led to record-breaking years for affordable housing development and preservation.
Torres-Springer’s leadership has been crucial in advancing the Public Housing Preservation Trust, a plan designed to unlock billions of dollars for much-needed renovations for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents. Additionally, she has been a driving force behind the administration’s three “City of Yes” initiatives, which focus on modernizing the city’s zoning code to support sustainability, small businesses, and housing.
Torres-Springer’s extensive career in public service includes leadership roles in multiple mayoral administrations. She previously served as president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and as commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Her efforts have consistently focused on delivering tangible results for New Yorkers across diverse sectors.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics from Yale University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
As she steps into her new role as first deputy mayor, Torres-Springer is expected to bring the same level of strategic leadership and commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers, especially in areas related to housing, economic development, and workforce initiatives.
Writing history
Torres-Springer was born and raised in California shortly after her parents immigrated from the Philippines. Her father hails from Pampanga, and her mother from Batangas. She is one of six siblings in a close-knit family that upholds traditional Filipino values. Reflecting on her heritage, she shared how she cherishes her background and the lessons it taught her. She retains some knowledge of Tagalog and Kapampangan, often reminiscing about her cultural roots and the strong familial bonds that shaped her.
“I’m very proud of my ancestry and Filipino culture and my background. I’ve always hoped to take the values that I learned growing up and apply that to my work and I think more generally to ensure that people and businesses of diverse backgrounds have a fair shot in New York City. If I’m able to do that in this role given my background, that would bring a lot of motivation,” she told the Asian Journal in this earlier interview.
From the ages of 9 to 13, Torres-Springer lived in her father’s hometown, Betis, Pampanga, a period that left a lasting impression on her. Surrounded by family, she fondly recalls the warmth of Filipino culture, particularly the sense of community and family. She treasures the memories of the food and the close-knit environment, which continue to influence her today. Returning to the U.S. for high school, she has since visited the Philippines as an adult, reconnecting with her heritage.
Torres-Springer credits her parents with instilling in her the values of hard work, gratitude, and giving back. As immigrants, her parents made many sacrifices to provide better opportunities for their children, a story typical of the Filipino immigrant experience. This upbringing deeply influenced her career path, as she seeks to apply the values she learned to her role in public service, ensuring that people of diverse backgrounds, like her own, have equitable opportunities in New York City.
Praise across sectors
Torres-Springer’s appointment as New York City’s first deputy mayor has garnered widespread praise from various leaders across sectors, each highlighting her vast experience and leadership qualities. Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU, emphasized her “extensive experience in government” and leadership in addressing housing needs and economic growth, noting that this type of leadership is crucial to managing the city’s operations effectively. Similarly, former NYC Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff commended Torres-Springer’s creativity and ability to manage large teams, stating that she is “decisive and communicates clearly,” making her a perfect fit for the role.
Rob Speyer, co-chair of the Partnership for New York City, expressed confidence in her leadership, particularly her ability to collaborate across sectors. He pointed to her proven record of delivering results for New Yorkers as a key asset, especially during a critical period for the city. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, echoed these sentiments, lauding her pursuit of justice and commitment to equity, which he believes will shape a brighter future for New York City.
Steven Rubenstein, chairman of the Association for a Better New York, highlighted her depth of experience across both government and the non-profit sectors, calling her an excellent choice for the position.
Richard Buery, Jr., CEO of Robin Hood, reflected on Torres-Springer’s consistent leadership across multiple administrations and her bold vision for housing and economic development, noting her commitment to reducing poverty and increasing job access citywide. He also expressed his appreciation for Sheena Wright’s efforts to improve childcare access and affordability for New Yorkers.
Finally, leaders like Sharon Greenberger of the YMCA of Greater New York and Julie Samuels, president of Tech:NYC pointed to Torres-Springer’s extraordinary record of action, leadership, and judgment, with Samuels noting that her ability to navigate the complexities of city governance has made her a trusted figure across several mayoral administrations. Both leaders expressed excitement for the future under her leadership, emphasizing her deep understanding of what New York City can and should be.
