New Yorkers have approved all five ballot proposals that were on the ballot, according to election results. These proposals, championed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), aim to streamline various city operations, including approvals for street safety projects, outdoor dining, and construction permits.
One of the passed proposals, designated as Proposal 1, will make public hearings optional for permits related to sidewalk cafes, ramps, and other uses of public space. It also removes the City Council's ability to veto sidewalk cafes, instead giving local officials 15 days to provide comments. This measure passed with over 63% of the vote.
Proposal 2, which concerns city contracts, will allow contracting officials to modify contractor questionnaires, mandate quarterly meetings for the city's contracting policy board, and enable agency staff to handle certain mayoral approvals. It also eliminates a public hearing on social service contracting plans and adjusts the threshold for public comment on contracts. Over 61% of voters supported this proposal.
With nearly 62% of the vote, Proposal 3 will grant the Department of Transportation more flexibility in initiating street projects, such as bike and bus lanes, before presenting them to local community boards, particularly if there is a "risk of significant injury." The department will be required to make "best efforts" to notify local officials and brief community boards. This proposal also shifts the final approval of certain city property sales and leases from the City Council to the City Planning Commission. Some community groups and elected officials voiced opposition, citing concerns about diminished community input and oversight.
Proposal 4, approved by approximately 68% of voters, establishes a centralized online portal for applying for construction permits from various city agencies. It also relocates oversight for waterfront construction from Small Business Services to the Department of Buildings and allows more deputy and borough commissioners to approve building paperwork.
Finally, Proposal 5, which passed with over 72% of the vote, sets a reserve goal for the mayor to set aside at least 12% of the previous year's tax revenue in the city's rainy day fund. While it outlines a formula and budget approval process for deposits, it does not guarantee the savings. Critics, such as Reinvent Albany, have noted that this proposal allows significant discretion to City Hall in achieving the savings goal.
The promotion of these ballot proposals by Mayor Mamdani, including a $1.6 million campaign on LinkNYC kiosks, has drawn scrutiny. Councilman Phil Wong has called for an investigation into potential taxpayer-funded electioneering, though City Hall described the campaign as voter education and stated it consulted city lawyers.