New York Note: EDC Leadership, COGE Ballot Proposals, Governors Island Revitalization

July 27, 2026

EDC Leadership Appointments

Mayor Mamdani this week appointed Anthony Shorris as president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Lina Khan as chair of EDC’s board of directors. Shorris, most recently a partner at McKinsey, previously served as first deputy mayor under the de Blasio administration and as deputy chancellor for operations at the New York City Department of Education. Khan previously served as chair of the Federal Trade Commission and co-chair of Mayor Mamdani’s transition team, and became known for her aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement during her FTC tenure. Mayor Mamdani has called for EDC, a nonprofit that uses City resources and public-private partnerships to support economic development, to prioritize economic justice.

Subscribe

Commission on Government Efficiency Ballot Proposals

The Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) released five potential ballot proposals on Thursday. Established in May, the Commission is tasked with identifying opportunities to improve City government efficiency through amendments to the City Charter. The Commission began its work by holding public hearings and gathering input from more than 650 commenters. The proposals would streamline approvals for uses of public spaces such as outdoor dining, reform procurement contracting processes, expedite street safety infrastructure projects such as bike lanes, shorten the process for selling small parcels of City-owned land, and establish procedures for depositing and withdrawing money from the City’s Rainy Day Fund. The measures are expected to appear on the November ballot and would require a simple majority to take effect.

Revitalization of Governors Island Buildings

The Trust for Governors Island released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) seeking proposals to revitalize two vacant historic military buildings. Buildings 324 and 330 would join several other properties undergoing redevelopment as part of efforts to establish the island as a year-round destination. Under the RFEI, the buildings could be converted into arts and cultural centers or recreational facilities. Respondents may submit proposals for either or both buildings and must align their plans with the Trust’s sustainability and resiliency design guidelines. The Trust will hold virtual information sessions on August 5 and August 19, as well as site visits on August 12, August 26, and September 9. Final proposals are due October 26.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

Explore Articles and News

See All News