These NYC Ballot Questions Could Change How Quickly NYC Approves Projects

NEW YORK, NY— The Commission on Government Efficiency released five ballot proposals aimed at changing how New York City handles permits, contracts, public space projects and financial planning, putting government reform questions before voters this fall.

The proposals would shorten timelines for outdoor dining applications, speed up bike lane construction, streamline nonprofit contracts, create a centralized building permit system and establish a target for the City’s rainy day fund.

The recommendations came after COGE held 10 public hearings across the five boroughs, collecting testimony from more than 1,200 New Yorkers about government delays and frustrations.

“New Yorkers told us again and again that they want a government that works at the same speed and efficiency that they do each day,” COGE Chair Patrick Gaspard said.

The commission will vote on adopting the final report and ballot proposals before they head to voters in November.

What Could Change For Small Businesses?

One proposal would overhaul the City’s outdoor dining approval process, reducing the current application timeline from eight months to two months.

The measure would combine separate sidewalk café and roadway dining applications into one process and update public notice requirements.

Officials said the change could save small businesses up to $1,800 in application costs and reduce the staff time needed to navigate approvals.

The proposal would also apply to other uses of public space, including ramps and benches.

How Could Housing And Construction Move Faster?

Another proposal would create a centralized permitting hub that allows builders to manage construction approvals from multiple city agencies in one place.

Currently, applicants often navigate approvals across 18 different offices.

The proposal would consolidate 40 approvals into a single system, with the goal of reducing delays for construction projects.

Carlo A. Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, said the proposals would address long-standing delays by simplifying permits, improving public space processes and creating more predictable timelines for builders and organizations.

“Would we have loved to see even more? Of course!” he said. “But as a former Commission Chair, I understand complex policy shifts sometimes require more time and study.”

Could Bike Lanes And Street Safety Projects Happen Faster?

A third proposal would change the review process for street safety projects, including bike lanes.

The measure would allow the Department of Transportation commissioner to fast-track projects when officials identify an immediate safety need.

Officials estimate the change could speed up street safety projects by at least 33 percent.

The proposal would also shorten the process for selling or leasing small city-owned properties, reducing the timeline from seven months to 90 days.

The City estimates those changes could unlock more than $200 million from underused city property.

What Would Change For Nonprofits?

COGE is also proposing changes to the City’s contracting process, which nonprofit organizations have long criticized for delays.

The City said separate internal reforms could ballot measure would simplify pre-contracting paperwork, allow the Mayor to delegate some contract approvals to agencies and replace some public hearings with public comment periods.

The City said separate internal reforms could reduce nonprofit procurement timelines from 13 months to six months.

Officials also said the City plans to move some nonprofit discretionary awards from procurement contracts to grants, a process that has reduced payment timelines in pilot programs.

Why Is The City Changing Its Rainy Day Fund Rules?

A fifth proposal would establish a target reserve level for the City’s rainy day fund at 12 percent of total tax revenue.

The proposal would require the City’s budget office, in consultation with the comptroller, to create a formula for future contributions.

Officials said the goal is to strengthen financial stability during future economic downturns.

The City also plans internal changes to speed up reviews of employee hiring, promotions and capital project applications.

What Happens Next?

If approved by COGE, the proposals will appear on the November ballot for New Yorkers to decide.

After the election, the commission will transition into an advisory board focused on continuing to collect ideas from residents about improving city operations.

The proposals are part of a broader push by the Mamdani administration to reduce government delays, including efforts targeting small business regulations, housing approvals and agency savings.