Kathy Wilde’s Push for Business Relations in NYC
Kathy Wilde has found herself again navigating the tricky area between Wall Street and New York’s progressive politicians, and it seems to be creating tension.
Sources indicate that Wilde, who recently stepped down as head of the Partnership for New York City, has been discreetly advising Mayor Mamdani to strengthen his connections with local business leaders.
At 79, Wilde is particularly worried about the mayor’s ongoing conflicts with the business sector. While she believes that “the city is strong and will continue to be a global commercial powerhouse no matter who becomes mayor,” there’s concern from her former organization that the mayor’s leftist policies could drive wealthier residents, both individuals and businesses, out of the city, thereby harming its economy.
This concern arose after Mamdani released a controversial video last month, filmed outside billionaire Ken Griffin’s penthouse, declaring, “We’re taxing the rich.” In this video, he announced plans to impose taxes on properties owned by non-residents.
“I’ve encouraged him and his team to engage with business leaders to hear their concerns and learn how they can contribute to his success,” Wilde commented in an exclusive interview. “Griffin’s video clearly made this urgency more pronounced.”
Wilde clarified that her efforts to foster dialogue between the mayor and business leaders are informal, and she hasn’t been involved in Mamdani’s recent discussions with executives from major firms like Blackstone, UBS, and Goldman Sachs. Those meetings stemmed from conversations between the new Partnership leadership and City Hall.
Despite her retirement, Wilde mentioned that she has kept in touch with the mayor and his team, having spoken with him about a month ago.
“I’m not a lobbyist. I’m just a human being,” she expressed. “I feel some responsibility for Mamdani, so naturally, I urged him to connect with others.”
This sense of responsibility dates back to her time as head of the Partnership, where she facilitated Mamdani’s introductions to the business community following his electoral win.
Since Wilde’s departure earlier this year, the Partnership, under new president Steve Fulop, has taken a more decisive stance in its interactions with City Hall.
A spokesperson for City Hall declined to comment on the situation.
Fulop had no immediate response, but those familiar with the Partnership’s new leadership have suggested that some members are unhappy with Wilde’s involvement in Mamdani’s relations with business leaders.
“Zoran is a smart guy who is handling this on his own,” one insider remarked.
The contentious “Griffin video” exemplifies the cooling relationship between mayors and business leaders. In mid-April, Mamdani filmed the controversial segment outside Griffin’s Central Park South apartment, revealing the filming cost $238 million. Griffin has described the scene as “creepy” and “terrifying,” noting its proximity to the site where the UnitedHealth CEO had been killed.
Griffin indicated strategic plans for Citadel, including potential expansions in both Miami and New York City. He highlighted that Miami’s government offers “the American Dream” alongside the aspiration for earned success, contrasting it with what he termed as a “dream of redistribution” that fosters dependency on government.
Interestingly, many business leaders have mirrored Wilde’s conciliatory approach in private meetings with the mayor, even as they express frustration behind closed doors. Neither Goldman CEO David Solomon nor JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon broached the Griffin incident when they met with Mamdani this week. A representative for Dimon termed the meeting “friendly and constructive.”
“It seems to me they’re just playing a game,” one CEO from a mid-sized financial firm remarked. Another commented, “I suppose they have a business to run.”
