Mamdani Panel OK’s Ballot Proposals to Speed Up Outdoor Dining Permits, Build Bike Lanes

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 24, 2026

The Commission on Government Efficiency unanimously approved five reform proposals aimed at expediting permits, expanding transit lanes, setting rainy day fund targets, and streamlining procurement and building processes for a November ballot in New York City. These measures are designed to enhance government operations and affordability for residents, with the commission transitioning to an advisory role post-election to continue supporting reforms.

The Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) unanimously approved five proposals Thursday designed to streamline New York City government operations and improve services, setting the measures for inclusion on the November ballot. The initiatives focus on accelerating approvals for outdoor dining permits, expanding bus and bike lanes, establishing targets for the city’s rainy day fund, reforming procurement procedures, and simplifying building permit processes.

Mayor Mamdani created the commission in May with the objective of identifying ways to enhance government efficiency that would directly benefit everyday New Yorkers. The commission’s playful acronym, COGE, serves as a contrast to Elon Musk’s failed "DOGE" campaign to achieve federal savings, highlighting Mamdani’s focus on practical reforms with broad appeal.

Patrick Gaspard, the panel’s chairperson, emphasized that while improving efficiency was important, the ultimate goal was to deliver a more affordable New York for residents. Over the past two months, COGE held 10 public hearings across the city’s five boroughs, gathering testimony from more than 1,220 participants to inform its recommendations. Following the Board of Elections’ final approval, the proposals will appear on the ballot in November.

After the election, the commission is set to transition into an advisory board to continue supporting city government reforms. Mamdani’s establishment of COGE followed his decision to dissolve a previous charter revision commission convened by former Mayor Adams on Adams’ last day in office. The Adams panel had focused in part on implementing an open primary system, which some of Mamdani’s critics argued was intended to weaken his progressive coalition ahead of his expected 2029 reelection campaign.

The Adams commission challenged Mamdani’s move in court, claiming the mayor unlawfully influenced state lawmakers to pass legislation enabling him to terminate their panel. However, a Staten Island judge dismissed the lawsuit on Wednesday, clearing the way for Mamdani’s commission to proceed with its work uninterrupted.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.