Academia
At a time of historic inequality and inadequate public investment, the kind of redistributive policies promoted by politicians on the left are badly needed.
People celebrate during New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration ceremony in New York City, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2026. (Reuters/Tyrone Siu)
When New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani named Anthony Shorris and Lina Khan to lead the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), as president and board chair, respectively, he did more than fill two important vacancies in his administration. He also underscored his recognition of a key challenge with which the left has long grappled: how to deliver not only economic redistribution but also economic growth.As is customary for the left, Mamdani’s winning electoral message focused on the redistribution side of the equation: improving affordability, advocating a rent freeze, providing free use of public buses, establishing municipal grocery stores, pursuing racial equity, delivering universal childcare and taxing the wealthiest households. Since assuming office at the beginning of this year, he has made notable progress on many of these promises, while strengthening daily governance and the delivery of basic services, reducing bureaucracy and promoting housing construction.
