New York City has formally launched an administrative efficiency body, the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), and will move to overhaul housing permitting, procurement and public service systems.

On May 28, the blockchain media outlet BeInCrypto reported that Mayor Zohran Mamdani (조란 맘다니) announced the COGE launch plan and stressed it is a different model of administrative reform from the federal-level DOGE that stalled last year.

COGE will have 15 members. The commission plans to hold 10 public hearings across New York’s five boroughs and then prepare proposed charter amendments to be put to a public vote in November 2026. Those whose views will be sought include union leaders, community activists and city officials.

The chair will be Patrick Gaspard, a former U.S. ambassador to South Africa. Labour representatives include Henry Garrido of District Council 37. Mamdani replaced the charter review panel that operated under former Mayor Eric Adams and reorganised it into the COGE framework.

New York City said the commission’s direction is focused on restructuring administrative systems rather than simple cost-cutting. Unlike the federal DOGE, which under U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk pursued efficiency through workforce cuts and contract terminations, COGE’s position is that it will focus on improving procedures and institutions without reducing services.

Mamdani said, "COGE will find ways for our city to work smarter, faster, and more effectively," adding, "New Yorkers deserve a city government as careful with their money as they are." He then criticised the federal DOGE model, saying the term "efficiency" was used in practice like a means to package cuts to public services.

He also stressed an approach centred on public hearings. Mamdani said, "We will design a government structure that is more responsible and more responsive, together with union members, community organisers and residents." The first public meeting will be held on June 4, and borough-by-borough hearings will begin on June 9.

Market reaction is mixed. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos publicly expressed support, saying the funds saved could be used for tax cuts for low-income workers. He said, "The best way to put money in people’s pockets is not to take it out in the first place."

Others question whether a union-centred input structure can lead to actual cost savings and improved administrative efficiency. Some also say that given Mamdani’s progressive policy stance, the commission could end up focused on adjusting interests rather than structural reform.

New York City’s policy is to pursue administrative efficiency through institutional changes that undergo a public referendum. As a result, COGE’s success is expected to hinge on what charter amendments emerge after the hearings and how much it can shorten procedures and improve operations without reducing services.

This morning we are introducing COGE — the Commission on Government Efficiency. This Commission will find ways for our city to work smarter, faster, and more effectively for working people. New Yorkers deserve a city government as careful with their money as they are.