What is New York City’s Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE)?

COGE is a new 15-member commission launched by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to review how city government operates and propose reforms. The group will focus on areas such as housing approvals, procurement processes and public service delivery, with recommendations ultimately going to voters in November 2026.

Why did Mayor Zohran Mamdani create COGE?

Mamdani said COGE is intended to make city government work more efficiently without cutting essential public services. He has positioned the initiative as an alternative to the federal DOGE programme associated with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which focused more heavily on cost-cutting and workforce reductions.

How is COGE different from the federal DOGE initiative?

According to Mamdani, COGE aims to improve government performance through structural reforms and voter-approved charter changes rather than reducing services. The commission will gather public input before making recommendations, whereas the federal DOGE effort was known for pursuing spending cuts and workforce reductions.

What powers does COGE have?

COGE cannot directly change city laws on its own. Instead, it will hold public hearings, review government processes and propose charter amendments that New York City voters can approve or reject in the November 2026 election.

Who is leading the COGE commission?

The commission will be chaired by Patrick Gaspard, a former US ambassador to South Africa. Its membership also includes labour leaders such as District Council 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, alongside other civic and community representatives.

Why does COGE matter to investors and markets?

Government efficiency reforms can influence how quickly housing projects, infrastructure plans and public contracts move through approval processes. Faster and more predictable city operations could improve the business environment for companies operating in New York, although any economic impact remains uncertain at this stage.

What did Jeff Bezos say about COGE?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos publicly supported the initiative and suggested that any savings generated through government efficiencies could potentially be used to reduce taxes for lower-income earners. This reflects his broader view that reducing tax burdens can increase disposable income for households.

Is COGE likely to reduce taxes in New York City?

Not necessarily. Bezos suggested that efficiency savings could support tax reductions, but COGE has not announced any specific tax-cutting plans. Any future tax changes would depend on the commission's findings, political decisions and voter approval processes.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Mamdani launches COGE to rewrite NYC efficiency playbook

Written by Brie CarterPublished May. 28 2026Last Updated May. 28 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday unveiled the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), a 15-member panel tasked with modernising city government and proposing charter amendments for voters in November 2026.

The commission will conduct 10 public hearings across New York City’s five boroughs and gather input from union leaders, community organisers and city employees as it reviews housing approvals, procurement systems and public service delivery.

“COGE will hold hearings in every borough and meet with union members, community organisers, and working people who will shape how we build a more responsive and accountable government,”

Said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Patrick Gaspard, the former US ambassador to South Africa, will chair the commission, which also includes labour representatives such as District Council 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido.

Mamdani said the initiative was designed as an alternative to the federal Department of Government Efficiency effort associated with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, arguing that efficiency should improve services rather than reduce them, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos added that savings could be used to eliminate taxes for lower-income workers. Following the announcement, Amazon's share price was unchanged.

The launch follows Mamdani’s decision to replace a charter review panel inherited from former mayor Eric Adams, with the first COGE meeting scheduled for June 4 and borough hearings beginning on June 9.

The commission’s recommendations will ultimately be submitted to voters through a citywide ballot, with supporters viewing the process as a pathway to modernising government operations while critics question whether a commission heavily informed by organised labour can deliver meaningful cost savings.