Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Lina Khan Explores Maximizing NYC Mayor's Power Through Underused Laws
Imagine a mayor wants to do many new things for the city, like making things cheaper for people.
A smart helper, Lina Khan, who used to work for a big government job (the FTC), is looking at all the rules the mayor can already use.
She wants to find old, forgotten rules that the mayor can use by himself without needing to ask other people, like the governor, for permission.
This is because sometimes, getting permission from others is hard.
She believes there are many rules that haven't been used much but could help the mayor make big changes.
Some people worry this might give the mayor too much power, but Khan says it's about making sure the mayor can do what he promised for the people of the city.
Lina Khan is advising mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on maximizing mayoral powers through existing laws.
Khan, former FTC Chair, aims to identify underused legal authorities for Mamdani's administration.
Mamdani's ambitious platform includes free citywide bus service and rent freezes, requiring significant new revenue.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed skepticism regarding tax increases and the feasibility of free bus services.
Critics like Daniel Loeb have voiced concerns about Khan's approach potentially leading to excessive government control.
- Who
- Former FTC Chair Lina Khan and NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani
- What
- Khan is advising Mamdani on how to use existing, but often underused, laws to expand the mayor's executive authority.
- When
- Khan's comments were made in an interview taped last week and to be aired fully on November 23rd; Mamdani takes office on January 1st.
- Where
- New York City
- Why
- To help Mamdani's administration deliver on his ambitious agenda for affordability by maximizing the mayor's unilateral power.
Supporters of Khan's Approach
Critics of Khan's Approach
Use of Existing Laws
Supporters of Khan's Approach
Lina Khan aims to uncover and utilize dormant or underused laws to empower the mayor to unilaterally act on his ambitious agenda.
Critics of Khan's Approach
Hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb criticized Khan's approach, suggesting it could lead to 'Soviet style centralized control' and economic damage.
Focus on Corporate Power
Supporters of Khan's Approach
Khan, drawing from her FTC experience, wants to ensure companies are not abusing their power and will examine regulations related to algorithmic price discrimination and junk fees.
Critics of Khan's Approach
Loeb's comment implies a concern that Khan's focus on corporate regulation is overly aggressive and detrimental to business.
- Lina Khan's Role
- Co-chair of Zohran Mamdani's transition team, advising on economic policy and personnel.
- Mamdani's Platform
- Free citywide bus service, universal childcare (6 months-5 years), rent freeze on stabilized units.
- Funding for Mamdani's Plans
- Estimated $10 billion in new revenue, primarily from taxing millionaires and corporations.
- Governor Hochul's Stance
- Opposed to raising taxes and doubts the viability of free buses.
- Khan's FTC Experience
- Youngest FTC chair; focused on antitrust and consumer protection, revived the Robinson-Patman Act.
- Key Legislation Mentioned
- Robinson-Patman Act, laws related to algorithmic price discrimination, surveillance pricing, and junk fees.