{"id":304307,"date":"2026-07-23T23:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T23:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/304307\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T23:47:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T23:47:11","slug":"nyc-voters-will-decide-on-these-5-ballot-measures-in-november","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/304307\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC voters will decide on these 5 ballot measures in November"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) \u2013 A panel appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani has decided on 5 key issues for New York City voters in the upcoming midterm elections, from outdoor dining<\/a> to city finances.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, the Commission on Government Efficiency \u2013 COGE<\/a> \u2013 issued its final vote to solidify ballot measures for New York City. The board unanimously approved its five questions released earlier Thursday morning.\u00a0Despite the group’s cheeky name, Chair Patrick Gaspard said the commission only had one goal in mind.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Discover more local reporting on our homepage\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

“Efficiency was not the end goal. Being able to deliver an affordable New York \u2013 that was the end goal,” Gaspard said.<\/p>\n

What are the ballot measures?<\/p>\n

Question 1<\/p>\n

Simplify process to use public space for uses such as ramps, planters and cafes, by removing mandatory hearings and Council disapproval of sidewalk cafes, while maintaining community and Council input.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yes” speeds up process to use public space while maintaining community input. “No” maintains longer process with mandatory public hearing to use public space and Council review of sidewalk cafes.<\/p>\n

Approved by the commission with a unanimous 15-0 vote<\/p>\n

Question 2<\/p>\n

Reduce paperwork for City contractors by authorizing Procurement Policy Board to simplify contractor questionnaire. Require quarterly meetings of the Procurement Policy Board. Remove mandatory hearing for required client services report.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yes” amends Procurement Policy Board authority, including to simplify contractor questionnaire; authorizes Mayor to delegate certain contract approvals. “No” leaves laws unchanged, with Mayor and Comptroller maintaining longer questionnaire.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Approved by the commission with a unanimous 15-0 vote<\/p>\n

Question 3<\/p>\n

Simplify review of street safety projects to reduce construction timelines. Fast track disposition of unused City property with approval from City Planning Commission. Expedite leasing offices used for City workforce.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yes” simplifies street project approval, City property disposition and office leasing. “No” maintains intra-agency consultation for road projects, Council approval for City property dispositions and Council disapproval of office leases.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Approved by the commission with a unanimous 15-0 vote<\/p>\n

Question 4<\/p>\n

Create centralized construction permits hub to simplify permitting. Move waterfront permitting from Department of Small Business Services to Department of Buildings. Allow construction approval by additional Department of Buildings officials.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yes” simplifies permitting by authorizing a centralized permitting hub, moving waterfront permitting to Department of Buildings, and allowing additional Department of Buildings officials to issue approvals. “No” leaves laws unchanged.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Approved by the commission with a unanimous 15-0 vote<\/p>\n

Question 5<\/p>\n

Require development of methodology to ensure contributions to the revenue stabilization fund, or “rainy day fund,” to save money for use in future years to address unexpected financial hardships.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yes” requires Mayor to develop a methodology requiring deposits to rainy day fund. “No” leaves laws unchanged, with the City making discretionary contributions through budget negotiations between Mayor and Council.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Approved by the commission with a unanimous 15-0 vote<\/p>\n

What to know about COGE<\/p>\n

Voters must weigh in on any changes to the city’s constitution, known as the city charter. To create ballot questions, the mayor can convene a Charter Revision Commission, which meets over months and takes public testimony before drafting ballot measures.<\/p>\n

In the 2025 election, voters approved affordable housing proposals put forward by then-Mayor Eric Adams’ commission.<\/p>\n

\u00a0More News: Politics\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Mamdani’s commission has heard testimony from business leaders, government experts, and regular New Yorkers to draft its proposals. Thursday’s vote means New Yorkers will see the five questions above on their ballots, along with a consequential governor’s race and Congressional seats.<\/p>\n

After the November election, COGE will continue as an advisory body to the mayor, Chair Gaspard said.<\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here <\/a>and follow her on Twitter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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