Full Breakdown
Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Lina Khan and Anthony Shorris to Lead NYC’s Economic Development Corporation
7/23/2026, 5:41:43 AM
Appointment Overview
On Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair Lina Khan will serve as chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), while former deputy mayor Anthony Shorris will be president and CEO. Mamdani described the pair as a “dream team” intended to advance both business growth and the city’s affordability agenda.
Background & Context
The EDC is a quasi-public nonprofit that manages city-owned property, develops real estate, awards business incentives, and oversees major construction projects. Historically, the agency has worked closely with large corporations to attract investment and jobs. Critics have long argued that the EDC is “too cozy with business interests,” and the mayor’s delayed appointment of new leadership had been cited as a sign that economic development was not a priority. Mamdani’s administration has framed the appointments as a means to align economic development with “economic justice,” emphasizing the need to address New Yorkers’ rising cost of living.
Key Figures
- Lina Khan – 37-year-old former FTC chair under President Joe Biden; known for aggressive antitrust enforcement, including a lawsuit against Amazon.com alleging illegal monopoly power, a successful challenge to the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger, and a rule banning many non-compete clauses.
Expected Impact
Khan indicated that the EDC’s “key tools” can be used to grow the economy, create good jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and make life more affordable for residents. Mamdani emphasized that economic development and economic justice must be pursued together, suggesting that the agency’s public resources will be directed toward projects that address affordability while still attracting investment. Shorris’s business-oriented background is intended to complement Khan’s consumer-protection focus, creating a leadership duo that balances development goals with the mayor’s cost-of-living priorities.
Official Statements & Responses
Khan expressed optimism about leveraging the EDC’s capacity to improve material conditions for New Yorkers. Observers noted that the move represents a significant shift for an agency previously criticized for favoring corporate interests, while also signaling the administration’s commitment to integrating affordability concerns into its development strategy.
