New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the creation of the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) on May 28, 2026, aiming to improve city government operations and reduce bureaucratic red tape [1, 2]. Mamdani said the commission will help city government "operate smarter, faster, and more effectively," focusing on the needs of working people and making government keep pace with New Yorkers [3, 4].
COGE will conduct a full review of the New York City Charter to identify modernization opportunities and remove outdated barriers affecting services like housing, transit, and childcare [1, 4, 2]. Mamdani said, "What we are speaking about is a sincere fulfillment of a vision that ensures that city government is operating with the same focus that a working-class New Yorker is when they're trying to balance their bills" [1].
Patrick Gaspard, a longtime Democratic operative and former Open Society Foundation president, was appointed chair of COGE in late May [4]. Gaspard said, "New Yorkers deserve and need a government of the possible — one that can urgently build infrastructure, promote small business growth, and make the city more livable with accessible childcare and affordable grocery options" [4]. Mayor Mamdani met with Alex Soros, reflecting connections between COGE leadership and progressive philanthropic circles [4].
The commission plans 10 public hearings across the city's five boroughs, with the possibility of putting reform proposals on the November ballot [4, 2]. Before forming COGE, Mamdani appointed chief savings officers in city agencies who found early savings from technology upgrades, lease consolidations, and subscription cancellations [1, 3].
COGE differs from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which began in January 2025 and focused on layoffs and contract cuts. Mamdani emphasized COGE's goal is not just cost-cutting but reinvesting savings in affordable housing, quality schools, and social safety net programs [1, 3, 2]. However, some critics argue COGE's approach is similar to DOGE's, prompting claims Mamdani borrowed the idea [2]. Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted the bipartisan appeal of targeting government waste when she noted, "Remember when Democrats ridiculed President Trump and his administration for tackling government waste? Looks like they ran the numbers and found eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse is quite popular" [2].
Tech billionaire Jeff Bezos praised the commission, calling for tax relief to help lower earners. He said, "This is great and they do deserve that. And, with some of the savings, we can zero out taxes on the bottom half of earners. The best way to put money in people's pockets is not to take it out in the first place" [2].
COGE is part of Mamdani's broader effort to balance NYC's budget while improving affordability. His administration has proposed a tax on multimillion-dollar second homes to raise $500 million, a fund that may support the commission's efficiency goals [3]. The commission is expected to report findings and potentially propose ballot measures in November 2026 to push reforms forward [4, 2].
