Mayor Adams Takes Blockchain Passion to Puerto Rico
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast. He’s no stranger to touting his interest in everything from drones and artificial intelligence to, you guessed it, Bitcoin. This week, Adams took that passion to Puerto Rico, an island grappling with its own technological advancements and seeking to position itself as a hub for digital innovation.
On Tuesday, Adams attended and spoke at the island’s annual blockchain week, an event exploring the world of decentralized technology and its implications. This year’s conference delved “into blockchain, decentralized tech and sovereignty,” according to the organizers.
Adams’ trip to Puerto Rico is more than just a speaking engagement; it underscores his ongoing efforts to connect with leading figures in tech, many referred to as “tech bros,” and advance New York City’s position in the tech landscape. This connection is likely one of the reasons behind his strong relationship with cryptocurrency billionaire Brock Pierce, who is hosting a fundraiser for Adams campaign Tuesday night.
“We should not be afraid of Bitcoin. Remember y’all laughed at me when I first got my Bitcoin? Who’s laughing now?” Adams said on Nov. 3. “Go look at my Bitcoin now.”
“You all mock me. You’re taking your first three paychecks in Bitcoin. What’s wrong with you? Now you wish you would have done it.”
Adams has been vocal about his belief in Manhattan becoming a hub for tech and innovation.
“We were a country and a city that led the globe in innovation. And look at us now. It’s time. It’s time for change. And I’ve said this for years and I’m happy that Elon is going to be part of those who are moving that change forward,” Adams said last Tuesday.
Adams’s advocacy for blockchain and Cryptocurrency has drawn both support and criticism. Some praise his forward-thinking approach and see him as a bridge between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of digital currencies. Others express concerns about the potential volatility and lack of regulation in these emerging markets.
Tech:NYC President and CEO Julie Samuels, whose organization advocates for a thriving technology sector in the city, believes Adams’ embrace of technology sends a positive message.
“So much of our lives, the friction is being removed because technology, whether it be on an iPhone or whatever, is making people’s lives easier,” Samuels said. “That’s why I think it’s incredibly important that we are thinking about how to use frankly simple technology and how to apply those to the government.”
Samuels sees Adams’ willingness to engage with the hottest tech trends as a way to attract talent and investment to New York.
“It also sends a message to people building those technologies that they should come build them here, that they should start their companies here,
” Samuels continued. “They should think about how to move the whole city and state forward
The trip to Puerto Rico is being funded by taxpayers, with
City Hall emphasizing that the mayor is attending in his official capacity and focused on city issues. While the heart of Adams’ visit focuses on exploring Puerto Rico’s technological innovations, the presence of a political fundraiser adds a layer of complexity to this tech-driven journey.
Whether Adams’ foray into the world of blockchain will ultimately benefit New York City remains to be seen. What is clear is that
