New York City has officially established the first municipal Office for Digital Assets and Blockchain in the United States — a major step toward positioning the city as a global hub for crypto innovation.
The new office, created by executive order from Mayor Eric Adams, will be led by Moises Rendon, who previously served as the mayor’s crypto advisor. Its primary mission is to promote responsible innovation in the Web3 space, attract world-class talent, build partnerships, and foster new economic opportunities tied to blockchain technology.
The office will also serve as a bridge between the crypto industry and city government, ensuring better coordination and communication. It will collaborate closely with the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) to explore blockchain-based solutions that could improve transparency and the efficiency of city services.
“From day one, our administration has worked to keep New York City ahead of the curve,” said Mayor Adams. “When we embrace technology, we make our city safer, fairer, and more accessible.”
Adams has long been known as one of the most crypto-friendly mayors in the U.S. He was the first American mayor to receive his salary in cryptocurrency and has consistently advocated for integrating blockchain into public and financial systems.
Earlier this year, the mayor formed a Crypto Advisory Council to advise the city on policy and innovation. He also expressed support for issuing Bitcoin-backed municipal bonds — a first-of-its-kind initiative for a U.S. city.
“New York has always been a center of innovation,” Adams said. “Now we’re embracing the technologies of tomorrow. The era of digital assets is here, and it’s our chance to grow the economy, attract global talent, and create opportunities for underserved communities while shaping a fair regulatory environment.”
New office head Moises Rendon said his first priority will be forming an expert commission to coordinate pilot projects. Among the initial initiatives are studies on how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency across city departments.
