NYC voters approve 5 ballot proposals aimed at city government efficiency

New York City voters approved five ballot proposals during the Nov. 3 General Election. 

The proposals, lauded by the city as ways to speed up government processes, could allow Mayor Zohran Mamdani to introduce more outdoor dining space, housing and bike lanes on a quicker timeline. 

Voters were presented with five yes-or-no questions on Election Day that would change the New York City Charter. Below are the General Election unofficial polling results provided as of Nov. 4. by the New York City Board of Elections for each ballot question, as well as the board's description of what each amendment will accomplish. 

Proposal Number 1: Speed Up Process for Granting a Revocable Consent to Use Public Space

"Simplify process to use public space for uses such as ramps, planters, and cafes, by removing mandatory hearings and Council disapproval of sidewalk cafes, while maintaining community and Council input."

• YES votes: 1,099,934 (63.38%)
• NO votes: 635,474 (36.62%)

Percentage of scanners reported: 97.09%

Proposal Number 2: Reduce City Contractor Paperwork; Require Regular Meetings of Procurement Policy Board

"Reduce paperwork for City contractors by authorizing Procurement Policy Board to simplify contractor questionnaire. Require quarterly meetings of the Procurement Policy Board. Remove mandatory hearing for required client services report."

• YES votes: 1,061,799 (61.77%)
• NO votes: 657,038 (38.23%)

Percentage of scanners reported: 97.09%

Proposal Number 3: Speed Up Street Safety Projects, Disposition of Unused City Property, Office Leasing

"Simplify review of street safety projects to reduce construction timelines. Fast track disposition of unused City property with approval from City Planning Commission. Expedite leasing offices used for City workforce."

• YES votes: 1,133,761 (65.70%)
• NO votes: 591,982 (34.30%)

Percentage of scanners reported: 97.09%

Proposal Number 4: Simplify Building Permitting and Move Waterfront Permitting to Department of Buildings

"Create centralized construction permits hub to simplify permitting. Move waterfront permitting from Department of Small Business Services to Department of Buildings. Allow construction approval by additional Department of Buildings officials."

• YES votes: 1,155,304 (67.67%)
• NO votes: 552,003 (32.33%)

Percentage of scanners reported: 97.09%

Proposal Number 5: Set Contribution Targets for Rainy Day Fund to Promote Sufficient Budgetary Reserves

"Set target amount of money to hold in reserve funds, including rainy day fund, to address unexpected financial hardships in future years, and require development of methodology to calculate contributions." 

• YES votes: 1,243,219 (72.49%)
• NO votes: 471,812 (27.51%)

Percentage of scanners reported: 97.09%