A prominent New York City agency historically responsible for major developments like the High Line, the new Yankee Stadium, and Hudson Yards is being reimagined under Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. Rather than focusing solely on economic expansion, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) may now prioritize economic justice and worker protections.
More than a month into his term, Mayor Mamdani has not yet appointed a new president for the EDC, nor has he publicly detailed a strategy to stimulate job growth amid stagnant employment figures. However, a memo dated January 2 and reviewed by The New York Times outlines a shift in mission.
According to Julie Su, the city’s inaugural deputy mayor for economic justice, the agency should emphasize the “quality, not just quantity, of jobs” created for New Yorkers. This directive signals a broader policy shift toward equity and affordability.
The administration’s priorities were further reflected in the interview process for the EDC leadership role. Candidates were questioned on how they would ensure accountability from corporations receiving city incentives and how they would assess whether economic gains are broadly shared, according to five individuals familiar with the discussions.
This evolving mandate suggests a transformation of the EDC from a traditional engine of urban development into an institution focused on inclusive economic outcomes and labor rights.
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New Mission for a Pro-Business Agency in New York: Fighting for Workers
A small but long-powerful New York City agency helped to construct the High Line, build a new Yankee Stadium and plan the glittering skyscape of Hudson Yards. n nNow, Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to give this engine of economic development a very different new mission: advocating for economic justice. n nA month into office, Mr. Mamdani has yet to appoint a president of the organization, the Economic Development Corporation. Nor has he publicly outlined a plan to foster job growth at a time when the city’s job numbers are stagnating. n nBut according to a memo circulated by the administration on Jan. 2 and obtained by The New York Times, Mr. Mamdani wants to remake the E.D.C. as part of his vow to address affordability and workers’ rights. It should focus on “quality (not just number) of jobs created for the people who call N.Y.C. home,” reads the memo from Julie Su, the city’s first ever deputy mayor for economic justice. n nThat message was reinforced by the nature of the questions posed to candidates interviewing for the job of running the agency. n nThey have been asked how they would hold companies that receive benefits from New York City accountable and how they would measure whether the economy was working for everyone, according to five people familiar with the conversations. n nThank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. n nThank you for your patience while we verify access. n nAlready a subscriber? Log in. n nWant all of The Times? Subscribe.