NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- A new initiative will allow New Yorkers to "directly" hear from and respond to Mayor Eric Adams via texts.
"Text with Eric" uses the Community SMS platform, which has already been employed by public figures like President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
City Hall said the initiative opens a two-way communication so New Yorkers can get updates via texts from the Adams administration, including about new policies and local events.
New Yorkers can also respond and share their thoughts with the city.
People interested in taking part should text “FIRST” to 917-909-2288.
“Hit me up, New York — I’m at 917-909-2288,” Adams said in a statement announcing the measure. “We want to hear from you about how the city is doing, and we want to let you know about all the great things happening across the five boroughs. This is the most accessible administration in history, and we’re excited to be in touch with you in so many ways.”
The service comes on the heels of "Hear from Eric," an email-based program that similarly updates New Yorkers about local issues.
The mayor also launched a "Talk with Eric" series of community town halls, a "Hear from the Mayor" call-in show, and a "Get Stuff Done-Cast" podcast about city issues.
"This administration is constantly pursuing new avenues to use technology to communicate directly with New Yorkers on issues that matter to them," the city's chief technology officer, Matthew Fraser, said in a statement.