New York City reaches near all-time high for total jobs, with almost 5 million jobs as of July
Our Bureau
New York, NY
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has announced the formation of the Business Advisory Council, a new body of 15 business leaders who will meet quarterly with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su to help shape the city’s next phase of economic growth and innovation.
The council will advise City Hall on the industries driving New York’s economy — including finance, technology, real estate, sports, entertainment, retail and health care — as well as the infrastructure, talent pipeline and regulatory environment those industries need to grow here rather than elsewhere. Members will help shape a more deliberate approach to strengthening the sectors where New York can lead nationally and globally, from biotech and finance to media and entertainment.
“The doors of City Hall are always open to New York’s business leaders, and I look forward to welcoming their experience and strategic guidance as we build a stronger, more dynamic economy,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This council brings together the people building the next generation of New York’s economy — in finance, tech, life sciences, and beyond — to help us double down on what makes this city the best place on Earth to start a company, grow a business, and build a career. We want the most ambitious people in the world to come here, stay here, and build here.”
“We look forward to working with the leaders who make the hiring and investment decisions that will define New York’s economy for the next decade,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “We’re focused on strengthening the sectors where New York has a real competitive edge — and on making sure the talent this city produces has every reason to build their future here instead of somewhere else.”
City Hall announced the following inaugural members of the council: Brandon Blackwood, CEO of Brandon Blackwood New York; Priscilla Sims Brown, President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank; Rafael E. Cestero, CEO of the Community Preservation Corporation; Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty; Dr. John D’Angelo, President and CEO of Northwell Health; Kruti Patel Goyal, CEO of Etsy; Tony James, Chairman of Jefferson River Capital; Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of RXR; Kevin Ryan, Founder and CEO of AlleyCorp; Marcus Samuelsson, Award-winning chef and restaurateur; Doug Steiner, Chairman of Steiner Studios; Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani; Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst; Antonio Weiss, Partner at SSW and former Treasury official; and Robert Wolf, CEO of 32 Advisors and former Chairman and CEO of UBS Americas.
The Mayor is announcing this council at a near-record high for total jobs in New York City, with 4,852,400 jobs as of July 2026. With nearly 6,000 private sector jobs added in the first half of this year, New York’s year-over-year job growth is more than double the national growth rate. The unemployment rate has improved for five consecutive months, falling to 5.0% in July, while the labor force participation rate is at a near-record high.
“Building a business in New York has taught me that this city’s greatest resource has always been its people,” said Brandon Blackwood, CEO of Brandon Blackwood New York. “Their ambition, creativity and willingness to take a chance on an idea. I’m honored to join the Business Advisory Council and bring the perspective of an entrepreneur who built something here from the ground up. I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and my fellow council members to make sure New York continues to be a city where bold ideas can become lasting businesses, and where opportunity is accessible to the people who will shape what comes next.”
“Amalgamated Bank has called New York City home for more than 100 years, and we’ve always believed that progress happens when business leaders sit down together in good faith,” said Priscilla Sims Brown, President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank. “I’m honored to join this group and continue that tradition of constructive dialogue in service of the city we love.”
“I thank Mayor Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Su for the honor of serving on the Business Advisory Council alongside an exceptional group of leaders representing the innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity that drive New York City’s success. The broad expertise represented on this council creates a unique opportunity to develop solutions that strengthen our economy and improve the lives of New Yorkers across the five boroughs,” said Rafael E. Cestero, CEO of The Community Preservation Corporation. “I appreciate this administration’s recognition that creating and preserving affordable housing is an investment in New York’s long-term economic growth, competitiveness, and quality of life. For more than five decades, CPC has partnered with the City to expand housing opportunity and strengthen neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing our work together to address our affordability challenges and ensure New York remains a city of growth and economic opportunity for all.”