Councillor Adams was first elected to Halifax City Council in 1991, representing Ward 7. He was successful in four subsequent elections including elections in 1994, 1995, 2000 and 2004. In 1994 he was elected as Deputy Mayor of Halifax, becoming the youngest Deputy Mayor to serve in the history of the city.  In November 2007, he was elected Deputy Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality.

Councillor Adams was raised in Spryfield attending local schools and graduated from J.L. Ilsley High School in 1979. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in 1982, and a Bachelor of Commerce in 1986. Stephen began his professional career in 1986 with Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, and continues to work with them today.