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

 

“Vote on Faster Government” PSAs and information hub will help ensure New Yorkers know about props 1-5 this November

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 that will appear 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