Zohran Mamdani's pitch to tech CEOs

Original story by: Business Insider Last updated: Oct 17, 2025

Context: NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani believes that making the city more affordable is the key to attracting CEOs and their businesses. He argues that affordability will ensure workers can live in the city, thereby supporting the growth of companies.
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Detailed Summary:
- Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic frontrunner in the NYC mayoral race, stated during a debate that affordability is crucial for attracting tech CEOs.
- His platform includes proposals for tax increases on the wealthiest corporations and high-income earners to fund public services.
- Instead of directly addressing his tax hike proposals when asked about convincing tech leaders, Mamdani emphasized his affordability agenda.
- He asserted that if New York City becomes more affordable, workers will be able to live there, enabling companies to thrive.
- Mamdani also argued that the current system, characterized by corporate greed and private equity, has contributed to the city's high poverty rate and pushed out small businesses and workers.
- He has previously engaged with tech elites, participating in a fireside chat with startup founders and venture capitalists, where some attendees acknowledged his pragmatic approach to dialogue despite differing political stances.