In a series of announcements on Wednesday, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Lina Khan, the former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as the new Chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Khan will lead the EDC's 27-member board and play a key role in shaping the city's major development projects.
Khan was the youngest FTC Chair during the Biden administration, where she spearheaded an aggressive reorientation of antitrust policy. She initiated lawsuits against large technology companies and targeted major corporate mergers to reduce consumer costs. Mayor Mamdani stated in a memo that Lina Khan had fought exploitation and dishonesty nationwide in courtrooms and educational institutions. He expressed conviction that she would lead his administration's economic development efforts into a new era of possibilities, with justice as the guiding principle for all activities.
Roles within the EDC
In her new role as EDC Chair, Khan succeeds Margaret Anadu, who was appointed by then-Mayor Eric Adams in 2022. Khan's appointment is separate from that of Anthony Shorris, whom Mamdani also appointed as the new President of the EDC on Wednesday. Shorris will manage the daily operational affairs of the EDC as the city's primary instrument for development and infrastructure growth.
This includes oversight of projects such as the planned five new municipal grocery stores. Khan, meanwhile, will steer the overall policy of the EDC and approve its projects. Mamdani told Crain's New York Business that he was confident Shorris and Khan would achieve a great deal together, as Shorris leads the EDC into a new phase of economic innovation, including the implementation of five municipal grocery stores, one in each borough.
Experience and Leadership
In addition to her work at the FTC, Khan served as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School. She was also co-chair of Mayor Mamdani's transition team. Her extensive experience in competition law and public policy is considered a significant asset for the future direction of economic development in New York City.
- —Lina Khan: New Chair of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) New York City.
- —Anthony Shorris: New President of the EDC, responsible for operational processes.
- —Khan's responsibilities: Steering overall policy and project approvals for the EDC.
- —Shorris's responsibilities: Managing daily operations and overseeing infrastructure projects, including five new municipal grocery stores.
