New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to meet Thursday with hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin as state and city leaders look for ways to bolster the economy and address New York City’s widening budget gap.

Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel, has recently drawn attention after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani referenced him in a video advocating for a proposed “pied-à-terre” tax targeting second homes valued above $5 million. Griffin has described the mention as a personal attack.

Hochul’s meeting with Griffin is expected to focus on broader economic issues, including the potential impact of new tax proposals aimed at high-value property owners. City officials argue such measures could help generate revenue as New York faces a projected $5 billion budget shortfall.

At the same time, Mamdani is engaging with major business leaders as part of efforts to secure financial support and policy backing. He is scheduled to meet Brian Moynihan, head of Bank of America, and recently held talks with Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani.

Hochul said her meeting with Griffin had been planned well before the mayor’s comments gained traction, noting that she regularly consults with business leaders on economic policy.

Separately, a rally is expected outside the governor’s Midtown office, where activists and elected officials plan to push for higher taxes on wealthy residents, including proposals targeting individuals earning more than $1 million annually.