Mamdani’s new anti-business bogeywoman: Lina Khan

Core Viewpoint - The appointment of Lina Khan as co-chair of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team raises concerns about the potential negative impact on the city's business environment, particularly for Big Tech companies [2][4]. Group 1: Impact on Big Tech - Lina Khan, known for her aggressive stance against large corporations, has previously targeted major tech firms like Meta and Amazon with lawsuits, alleging monopolistic practices [5][6]. - New York City currently hosts significant employment from Big Tech, with 14,000 workers at Google's Hudson Square campus and thousands at Meta and Amazon, contributing substantially to the city's tax revenue [4]. - Concerns are growing that if the regulatory environment becomes hostile, Big Tech may relocate to more business-friendly cities, which could weaken New York's tax base and hinder its growth as a tech hub [12]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - Khan's regulatory approach has faced criticism for prioritizing ideological goals over sound enforcement, leading to a culture of fear within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) [9][10]. - The New York State legislature retains control over tax increases, limiting Mamdani's direct influence, but the city administration can still affect businesses through procurement contracts, zoning, and regulatory standards [14]. - The perception of New York City as unfriendly to business could deter talent and investment, as tech workers have the flexibility to choose where to live and work [15]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Mamdani's full transition plan is expected to be released by December, leaving the tech community in a state of uncertainty regarding future policies and their implications for business operations [16].