The Mayor of New York City serves as the chief executive, overseeing all city services, public property, and agencies across its five boroughs from City Hall. This powerful role manages the largest municipal budget in the United States, totaling $100.7 billion in fiscal year 2021, and commands an administration employing 325,000 people, including the nation's largest public school system.
The mayor has been chosen by direct popular election since 1834, limited to two consecutive four-year terms, with Eric Adams currently holding the office after being elected on November 2, 2021, and taking oath on January 1, 2022. Often called "the second toughest job in America," the position is notably associated with a "jinx," as politicians rarely achieve higher office after their tenure, a trend unbroken since 1869.
Gracie Mansion has served as the official mayoral residence since Fiorello La Guardia's administration in 1942, and while the position offers a significant salary, figures like Michael Bloomberg famously opted to be paid just $1 annually.