New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced plans to form a digital advisory council that would guide the city’s digital asset strategy.
Speaking at the New York City Crypto Summit on May 20, Adams said it has the potential to attract investment, create jobs, and cement New York’s position as a global centre for blockchain innovation.
“We want to use the technology of tomorrow to better serve New Yorkers today,” Adams said during his speech, adding that the council would help position New York as the “crypto capital of the globe.”
The advisory body will be composed of industry experts tasked with identifying use cases that serve the public interest. While full details of the council are still pending, Adams confirmed that a chairperson would be appointed and that key policy recommendations are expected in the coming weeks.
Adams revealed that New York City is exploring blockchain use in administrative functions, including managing sensitive records like birth and death certificates.
“Bringing blockchain security capabilities to the city means that birth certificates and death records can remain private but accessible,” he noted.
Further, he added that the city is evaluating whether select services and taxes can be paid in cryptocurrency, as part of a broader initiative to modernise financial infrastructure. Financial services firm Figure, along with private equity groups Traction and Scale, are already supporting the city’s crypto roadmap.
Since taking office in January 2022, Adams has made cryptocurrency a key part of his policy agenda. He is well known for converting his first three mayoral paychecks into Bitcoin as a symbolic gesture of support.
That vision is increasingly being echoed at the state level with top New York officials pushing for a pro-crypto environment.
For instance, in April, Assembly member Clyde Vanel reintroduced a bill to allow New York agencies to accept cryptocurrency for fines, taxes, and other obligations. Vanel has also advocated for studying blockchain’s role in securing election systems and protecting voter data. If passed, his bill would require the State Board of Elections to deliver findings within a year.
Separately, State Senator James Sanders Jr. has proposed a dedicated task force to assess how crypto and blockchain could reshape New York’s economy.
The momentum isn’t limited to the Empire State. Across the U.S., at least 18 states are actively exploring legislation to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Earlier this month, New Hampshire became the first state to authorize its treasurer to invest public funds in Bitcoin.
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