New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering Anthony E. Shorris, a former deputy mayor under Bill de Blasio and current partner at McKinsey & Company, to lead the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The move would come after a prolonged search for a permanent president to fill the agency’s leadership vacancy. The EDC is a public-benefit corporation tasked with driving economic growth and attracting private investment across the city’s five boroughs.

Shorris’s potential appointment marks a notable choice for Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist who has publicly challenged traditional capitalist models. The mayor’s political philosophy, which stems from his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), emphasizes grassroots participation and equitable economic development. This stance has contributed to a complex and drawn-out selection process, as the agency’s conventional focus—leveraging real estate projects and tax incentives to stimulate private sector growth—does not fully align with Mamdani’s more justice-oriented economic goals.

Immediately following his inauguration on January 1, Mayor Mamdani directed a reassessment of the EDC’s programs, emphasizing a broader commitment to economic justice alongside growth. His deputy mayor for economic justice, Julie Su, circulated a memo urging the agency to review its portfolio through this lens, highlighting the tension between the agency’s historic role and the incoming administration’s agenda.

The EDC’s recent history includes high-profile projects that reflect its traditional approach. Under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the agency helped develop Hudson Yards, a large-scale West Side Manhattan development bolstered by tax subsidies. During de Blasio’s tenure, the EDC managed efforts to secure Amazon’s second headquarters in Queens, a deal that ultimately collapsed amid strong opposition from segments of the city’s left wing.

Over the past six months, City Hall vetted a diverse pool of candidates for the agency’s top job, ranging from business-centric professionals to critics of corporate influence. The internal debate has resulted in a leadership gap lasting more than half a year, with Jeanny Pak serving as interim president. Mamdani recently indicated that the hiring process was nearing completion and expressed the need for a leader capable of delivering innovative economic development strategies, including initiatives like city-run grocery stores.

Shorris, 69, brings extensive governmental and managerial experience to the table. During his time as de Blasio’s first deputy mayor, he oversaw numerous city agencies, including the Department of Education, and played a role in expanding universal prekindergarten. He has also held leadership positions at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and previously served as a city commissioner under Mayor Edward I. Koch.

Business and real estate leaders in New York have expressed concern over the agency’s direction under the new administration, emphasizing the importance of job creation and economic diversification amid slow growth. Gregory Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition, stressed the need for a leader focused sharply on expanding economic opportunity.

Meanwhile, some progressive activists continue to critique the EDC’s traditional role. Gustavo Gordillo, co-leader of the city’s DSA chapter, described the agency as having served predominantly elite interests and called for a transition toward a pro-worker local economy.

Shorris did not respond to requests for comment, and representatives for Mayor Mamdani have not yet issued a statement on the appointment.