New Yorkers packed inside a Brooklyn gymnasium on Thursday night to join Mayor Eric Adams for a community conversation. 

The discussion focused on tackling a slew of issues that apply to residents in all five boroughs, with much of the conversation focused on mental health and safety. 

“It’s essential, how can we make change if we don’t know what the problems are and if the various constituents in our city aren’t contributing to solutions,” said Angela DeFilippis, one of many Brooklyn residents in attendance.  

The hour-and-a-half conversation also touched on education, youth services, bail reform, and homelessness, among other hot-button topics. City agency representatives that were in attendance helped to answer some questions, and highlighted initiatives they’ve taken on that have worked for the city.  

“We need to simplify government and stop making government this closed door where we aren’t talking to each other,” said Mayor Adams. “It has to become user friendly. But none of this is any good if everyday New Yorkers don’t know how to get access to those resources.”