The head of the Big Apple’s lead economic development agency, James Patchett, is stepping down to head to the private sector after seven years as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s top aide overseeing housing programs and business partnerships.
Patchett has led the Economic Development Corporation since 2017, overseeing the city’s Hail Mary effort to procure and manufacture desperately needed supplies and equipment for the coronavirus pandemic — and Amazon’s aborted attempt to build a major corporate campus in Long Island City.
Before running EDC, Patchett was chief of staff to former Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, who led City Hall’s housing, development and economic strategies.
“When COVID-19 hit, his creativity and determination helped us respond — and positioned our city to come back stronger than ever, with a recovery for all of us,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. “I’m grateful for all his efforts, and I wish him all the best in his next endeavors.”
Patchett’s departure is set for March. His replacement has not yet been named.
