Ambulance response times and cleanliness decline, while benefits access and crime rates improve, according to a new report by the mayor.
New Yorkers are experiencing unprecedented delays in ambulance response times during emergencies, according to the most recent Mayor’s Management Report (MMR) released by the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. While various crime rates in the city have shown a decline, the new report highlights a series of concerning trends, alongside some signs of improvement in social assistance programs.
This comprehensive 532-page document, which serves as a performance assessment of city agencies, shows that emergency medical services (EMS) are taking significantly longer to respond to crises, with average response times for life-threatening emergencies now at 11 minutes and 21 seconds. This marks an increase of approximately 30 seconds from the previous year and a notable rise from the 9 minutes and 34 seconds reported in 2021, prior to Adams taking office. EMS unions attribute these delays to a thinning workforce, exacerbated by inadequate wage increases that the administration has yet to fulfill.
In stark contrast to the troubling EMS data, the report indicates a modest improvement in the processing of social assistance benefits through the Department of Social Services (DSS). The timely processing rate for cash assistance applications has risen to 63.2%, up from less than 40% at the start of Adams’ term. Although progress has been made, this figure remains well below the agency’s target of 95%. SNAP benefits have seen a more favorable uptick, with processing rates improving to 87.6%.
The report also sheds light on homelessness in New York City, where the average nightly population in shelters stands at 86,403, reaching near-historic highs. This figure persists despite a decrease in the number of newly arrived migrants utilizing the systems. Before the 2022 surge in migration, the shelter population was approximately 46,000, reflecting an ongoing strain on city resources.
Another aspect of urban management highlighted in the report pertains to public cleanliness. The Department of Sanitation recorded a drastic decline in the number of cleaned vacant lots, going from 534 in fiscal year 2024 to just 101 in FY 2025. Additionally, the percentage of parks rated in acceptable condition has decreased, now at 87% compared to 89% the previous year.
Public safety remains a key focus for Adams, with most major crime categories showing declines from fiscal year 2024. However, crime levels remain elevated compared to 2021 figures. The mayor cited these mixed results as evidence of his administration’s commitment to a cleaner, safer, and more affordable New York City.
Despite these challenges, the Adams administration notes a five-year low in reported rat sightings, attributed to enhanced waste management protocols.
As the city prepares for upcoming elections, the findings in this management report pose questions for the future direction of Adams’ governance, particularly as he seeks to solidify his standing among New Yorkers.
