New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Names Antitrust Crusader Lina Khan Chair Of City’s Economic Development Corporation
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair known for pursuing antitrust action against major technology firms, as chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The move, described as a surprise, underlines the leftward direction Mamdani has taken since becoming mayor of the largest US city, and places a prominent critic of corporate power in charge of steering the city's economic development strategy.
Mamdani praised Khan for having "fought exploitation and dishonesty in courtrooms and classrooms across the country" and said she would help ensure justice underpins the administration's economic work. Khan, who first gained attention in 2017 with a Yale Law School thesis arguing Amazon was a monopoly, said the EDC had a "vital role" in making the city more affordable, efficient and resilient. Anthony Shorris, a former deputy mayor, has been named EDC chief executive alongside her. The appointment comes over six months into Mamdani's term, during which business leaders have voiced concern that his policies could drive companies out of the city, though no significant corporate exodus has materialised, with commercial occupancy, retail spending and transit use gradually recovering towards pre-pandemic levels.
In short
- Mamdani names ex-FTC chair Lina Khan to head NYC's Economic Development Corporation
- Appointment signals mayor's leftward economic policy direction
- Anthony Shorris named EDC CEO alongside Khan as chair
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters believe appointing an experienced antitrust advocate to lead the EDC will ensure the city's economic strategy prioritises fairness and protects ordinary New Yorkers and small businesses from exploitation by monopolistic corporations, embedding accountability into economic development rather than allowing concentrated wealth to dominate city policy.
The case against
Critics contend the EDC's primary mission is attracting business investment and creating jobs, and that an antitrust crusader in the role may deter corporate investment through regulatory hostility, ultimately undermining the economic growth and employment opportunities the city depends upon for shared prosperity.
Explained simply
New York City’s Economic Development Corporation is a city-backed organisation that works on projects to support jobs, investment and development. Its decisions can affect how public land is used and which industries and neighbourhoods receive support.
Zohran Mamdani is New York’s mayor, while Lina Khan is a lawyer and former head of the US Federal Trade Commission, which enforces rules against unfair business practices. Khan became known for challenging the market power of large technology companies, including Amazon.
The appointment matters because the EDC helps shape the city’s economic priorities, including efforts to address living costs and attract investment. It also comes amid debate over whether Mamdani’s approach to business will affect companies’ willingness to operate in New York.
Geopolitics Government Politics