Mayor Mamdani taps Lina Khan to lead NYC's economic agency, sparking criticism
Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed former FTC chair Lina Khan as board chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, prompting concerns from the business community.
In his inaugural speech, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised to reshape New York City’s economy, a promise that materialized with the selection of former FTC chair Lina Khan to chair the board of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The move arrives amid a wave of affluent New Yorkers leaving for lower-tax states, reportedly taking $11 billion in revenue. Observers point to Khan’s record at the FTC, where she helped halt a consumer-friendly merger between iRobot and Amazon, as evidence that her regulatory stance may deter rather than attract businesses.
The appointment also blurs lines of authority, with Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su describing Khan as “someone watching over” the agency, while Anthony Shorris remains president and CEO. The article argues that Khan’s activist background and lack of private-sector experience could worsen the city’s already strained business climate.
Why it matters
The leadership change could influence New York’s ability to retain and attract businesses amid a fiscal outflow.
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