Politics Citywide

Mamdani’s efficiency commission put 5 questions on your ballot: here’s what a yes vote actually changes

The five questions from Mayor Mamdani's Commission on Government Efficiency would make public hearings on outdoor dining discretionary, end the City Council's power to reject sidewalk cafe permits and office leases, and set a target for the rainy day fund. City Hall budgeted $1.6 million for a 'Vote on Faster Government' campaign, and Republican officials oppose all five. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Citywide · · 6 min read
Mamdani’s efficiency commission put 5 questions on your ballot: here’s what a yes vote actually changes
Mayor Zohran Mamdani casts his ballot on the first day of early voting, Oct. 24. Inset: the Board of Elections' official text of ballot Question 1.

New York City voters are deciding five proposed amendments to the City Charter on the November 3 ballot, a slate drafted by Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Commission on Government Efficiency that would speed up approvals for outdoor dining, city contracting, street safety projects and construction permits, and set a savings target for the city’s rainy day fund. Early voting ran through Sunday, November 1, and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

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Featured image: Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office, © City of New York, 2026. Used with permission. Ballot text: NYC Board of Elections. Composite by Bushwick Daily

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