Several months into his administration, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, announced the creation of a Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), drawing inspiration from similar initiatives by Elon Musk. The goal of the commission is to modernize city governance, improve efficiency, and remove bureaucratic barriers that delay public services.
Mamdani stated that the commission “will find ways for our city to work smarter, faster, and more effectively for working people.” He added, “New Yorkers deserve a city government as careful with their money as they are.”
According to a city statement, the commission will be chaired by Patrick Gaspard, a longtime Democratic operative who previously served as executive director of the Democratic National Committee and president of the Soros family’s Open Society Foundation. Gaspard has also served as a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama.
Objectives and Mandate of COGE
Mayor Mamdani has tasked the commission with reviewing the entire New York City Charter to identify ways to:
- Better support public excellence
- Improve efficiency in city government
- Modernize city operations
- Ensure government keeps pace with the needs of New Yorkers
The commission is expected to:
- Remove outdated bureaucratic barriers that slow infrastructure projects and delay services
- Equip city agencies with the authority, enforcement tools, and flexibility to deliver programs effectively
- Modernize government operations to improve efficiency, generate savings, and enhance budget and reserve practices
Mamdani emphasized that “for too long, bureaucracy has stood in the way of delivering the housing, transit, child care, and public services our city needs,” adding that “restoring faith in government starts with proving government can actually deliver.”
Public Engagement and Voter Input
COGE will hold 10 public hearings across all five boroughs of New York City. The proposals developed during these hearings will then be submitted to voters through the upcoming November ballot, allowing New Yorkers to have direct input on reforms.
Leadership Vision: Patrick Gaspard
Patrick Gaspard, chair of the commission, emphasized that government must be practical and capable of delivering results:
“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 groceries.”
Gaspard expressed gratitude to Mayor Mamdani for the opportunity, stating:
“I look forward to listening to New Yorkers to develop the charter for the 21st-century government we need.”
Reflecting on his tenure at the Open Society Foundation, Gaspard noted:
“Fundamental social change doesn’t customarily occur in a revolutionary moment. Instead, what is needed is the partnership of activists, government, and the nonprofit sector, collaborating over time and space in unity and solidarity. This is what I worked to do at Open Society.”
He added that he plans to “re-enter the world of politics and ideas, where I can continue the struggle against oppression everywhere.”
Mamdani also met with Alex Soros, current Open Society Foundation board chair and George Soros’ son, at his Manhattan residence, highlighting collaboration with the Soros-linked foundation.
Other Members and Affiliations
The commission includes several progressive figures and Democratic Party affiliates:
- Susan Kang, a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and author of Human Rights and Labor Solidarity: Trade Unions in the Global Economy
- Theodore Moore, executive director of ALIGN, a progressive advocacy organization focused on worker power and climate justice
Other activists and community leaders affiliated with the Democratic Party also serve on the commission. Notably, no Republicans were appointed, drawing criticism from some political opponents.
Political Reactions
Joe Borelli, former Republican New York City councilmember, criticized the lack of Republican representation. He posted on X:
“How haven’t I been appointed to this already, @ZohranKMamdani?”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Borelli commented:
“As the new mayor and his team are taking socialist governance out for its American test drive, they are realizing that there needs to be a constant source of revenue to pay for all.”
He added:
“Ironically, they are coming to see that it’s big government that stands in the way of most economic growth.”
Summary Table: Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE)
| Feature | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Name | Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) | Launched |
| Mayor | Zohran Mamdani | Current |
| Chair | Patrick Gaspard | Former DNC exec, ex-Open Society Foundation president |
| Key Meetings | Met with Alex Soros, Open Society Foundation board chair | Completed |
| Other Members | Susan Kang, Theodore Moore, other progressive leaders | Confirmed |
| Objectives | Review NYC Charter, remove bureaucratic barriers, modernize government, improve efficiency and savings | Ongoing |
| Public Hearings | 10 hearings across five boroughs | Scheduled |
| Voter Input | Recommendations to be brought to November ballot | Planned |
| Political Reaction | Criticism from Republicans, praise from progressives | Mixed |
| Notable Exclusions | No Republican members | Confirmed |
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Commission on Government Efficiency represents a major progressive initiative to reform New York City’s bureaucracy and modernize government services.
Patrick Gaspard at the helm and a team of Democratic activists and community leaders, COGE aims to streamline operations, remove outdated barriers, and ensure city agencies can deliver housing, transit, child care, and other essential services.
Public hearings and voter input will allow residents to influence the proposals, creating a model for participatory governance while showcasing the challenges and opportunities of socialist-leaning city leadership.
