NYC: On National Voter Registration Day, Commission on Government Efficiency Launches Public Education Campaign on Ballot Props 1-5

(NEW YORK – September 15, 2026) – The Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), the 2026 New York City Charter Revision Commission convened by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, today launched “Vote on Faster Government,” a public education campaign to inform New Yorkers about the five ballot proposals appearing on the November ballot.

The campaign includes a public education video and online information hub (nyc.gov/fast), with citywide PSAs launching next month. COGE will also hold briefings with stakeholders, engage community leaders through speaking engagements and roundtables, distribute educational materials directly to voters, and use digital outreach to encourage New Yorkers to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

“More than 1,000 New Yorkers participated in public hearings this summer, sharing ideas not just about what government does but about how it does it,” said Ann Cheng, Executive Director of the Commission on Government Efficiency. “The Vote on Faster Government campaign brings this work back to where it started: with New Yorkers and their ideas for a more efficient government. In the weeks ahead, COGE will work tirelessly to ensure New Yorkers know what these five proposals would do long before they enter the voting booth.”

“Whether you bike to work, own a small business or rely on non-profit services, these ballot proposals are about making sure City government works more efficiently for you,” said Patrick Gaspard, Chair of the Commission on Government Efficiency. “New Yorkers have been at the very center of this process from the beginning. We listened to their experiences, brought their ideas together, and advanced five ballot proposals. Now it’s up to voters to decide. Until then, our job is to make sure every voter has what they need to make an informed choice.”

Starting September 15, the Vote on Faster Government campaign will reach New York City voters through:

• An online information and resource hub
• PSAs and digital advertising
• Briefings with community leaders and critical stakeholders, including New Yorkers who participated in public hearings
• Digital engagement and mobilization efforts
• Direct grassroots outreach and canvassing
• Palm cards and educational materials in 13 languages

The Five Ballot Proposals

In July, following 10 public hearings, COGE voted to advance ballot proposals to New York City voters.

Question 1 saves small businesses time and money by making it easier to open outdoor dining and build accessible ramps.

• Cuts the outdoor dining application process by 75%, from eight months to two months
• Saves small businesses up to $1,800 in application costs and thousands of dollars in staff time
• Speeds up the approval process for accessible entrance ramps and lifts by two months

Question 2 speeds up City contracting so small businesses and nonprofits can deliver services more quickly.

• Reduces administrative burdens on small businesses and nonprofits that contract with the City
• Saves City contractors like small businesses and nonprofits up to 30 days in the contracting process

Question 3 fast-tracks street safety projects and generates revenue from surplus City property.

• Speeds up street safety projects, including bike lanes, by at least 33%
• Unlocks more than $200 million in potential City revenue through the sale of small surplus lots and unused air rights over City-owned landmarks

Question 4 simplifies construction permitting to speed up housing.

• Brings 40 approvals from 18 separate offices and agencies into one place, saving builders time and frustration

Question 5 sets a rainy-day savings target to strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal stability

• Establishes a savings target of 12% of total tax revenue to help strengthen the City’s financial position over the long term

“This November, New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote on five ballot provisions that will impact how our city operates and serves communities like those we represent. With so much at stake, it is crucial that voters have the resources they need to make informed decisions,” said Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC). “That’s why we’re grateful for COGE’s commitment to an extensive outreach campaign so New Yorkers can understand the importance of these proposals and make their voices heard at the ballot box.”

“While some states and municipalities undermine the right to vote, New York City is championing it through COGE’s new ‘Vote on Faster Government’ public education campaign,” said Manny Pastreich, President, 32BJ SEIU. “Civic engagement is essential to a thriving New York City. COGE’s new civic education initiatives will help make sure New Yorkers know the essential role they play in our democracy and how to make their voices heard in making government work better.”

“As the former Executive Director of the Department of Education’s Students in Temporary Housing office, I’ve seen city government at its best, and at its most challenged, especially when it comes to serving the New Yorkers who need it most,” said Michael Hickey, Chief of Strategy and Operations for CitizensNYC. “The ‘Vote on Faster Government’ campaign kicking off today gives every New Yorker a chance to enter the ballot booth better informed, so they can decide for themselves what’s best for their families, their businesses, their communities, and their lives.”

“COGE is continuing to improve the government’s ability to serve all New Yorkers with the launch of this public education resource, which provides voters with high-quality and accessible information about the November ballot propositions. Such initiatives are essential for healthy civic engagement,” said Emily Eisner, Acting Executive Director and Chief Economist at the Fiscal Policy Institute. “This campaign represents a small but significant effort on the part of the City’s Charter Commission to improve the functioning of City Hall and the services provided to New Yorkers.”

“The Commission on Government Efficiency has done tremendous work hearing from New Yorkers about cumbersome government processes, identifying where modifications to the city’s charter can meaningfully improve them, and educating New Yorkers on how they can have a voice and a vote on these issues,” said Catherine Vaughan, Co-Executive Director of Abundance New York. “We appreciate COGE’s work to educate and inform voters about what’s on the ballot, how it influences the working of government, and why it matters to their day-to-day lives.”

“Our city is better off when more New Yorkers are engaged in civic life, and that includes at the ballot box,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director, United Neighborhood Houses. “Throughout our history, settlement houses have believed that voter education and inspiration are essential parts of our democracy. We thank COGE for undertaking this work and for recognizing that education and outreach with community partners will only make our city stronger.”

“Urban Design Forum believes that an informed and engaged public makes good urban planning possible in every corner of the city,” said Guillermo Gómez, Director of Programs at Urban Design Forum. “We commend COGE for investing in this kind of civic education to ensure every voter can make their voice heard this November.”

“New Yorkers are known for their opinions, and the number one way to express those opinions is by voting,” said Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council. “COGE has launched the Vote on Faster Government campaign to make sure New Yorkers are having their voices heard. HSC is happy to partner on this initiative to ensure nonprofits and the millions of people we serve are educated about the ballot proposals and the impact they would have on our communities.”

“The work of COGE, including this public education campaign, is critical to building a stronger and more equitable city,” said Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director, Center for an Urban Future. “The five ballot initiatives COGE has put forward would make it easier to get things done in New York and ensure that government efforts to help New Yorkers aren’t slowed down by unnecessary bureaucracy. It’s great to see this campaign to build awareness for these important reforms.”