NYC business owner kickstarts million dollar campaign to combat Mamdani-driven business exodus

May 9, 2026 - 00:34

A New York City business owner is launching a major financial push to bring companies back to the five boroughs, directly challenging the policies of Mayor Eric Adams. Andrew Murstein, president of Medallion Financial, has pledged $1 million of his own money to fund a campaign called Operation Boomerang. The initiative aims to lure businesses that have left the city due to what Murstein describes as a hostile environment created by the mayor's administration.

Murstein argues that Mayor Adams' focus on taxing and regulating wealthy individuals and corporations has driven a steady stream of companies to relocate to states like Florida and Texas. He claims the city's economic recovery is being undermined by policies that punish success rather than encourage growth. The Operation Boomerang campaign will use the funds for advertising, direct outreach, and incentive programs designed to make returning to New York City financially attractive.

The pledge comes as the city continues to struggle with commercial vacancies and a slower-than-expected rebound from the pandemic. Murstein believes that a targeted, private-sector effort can succeed where he says the city government has failed. He hopes the campaign will serve as a wake-up call for local leaders to reconsider their approach to economic development. The million-dollar commitment is intended to kickstart a broader conversation about making New York City more competitive for business once again.