Separate from the candidate races, New York City ballots on Nov. 3 will carry five city charter amendments. They cover the process for installing street furniture, city contracts, permit approvals, building permits and a rainy day fund. Early voting runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1.
On Election Day, Nov. 3, New York City voters will be asked to vote yes or no on five amendments to the city charter, separate from their choices among candidates. The amendments address the process for installing street furniture, city contracts, the approval process for major projects and real estate, building permits, and a rainy day fund. Early voting will be held for nine days, from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Proposal 1: Streamlining the Process for Installing Street Furniture
This proposal would cut the steps required to install items such as benches, wheelchair ramps and outdoor cafés in public spaces. Public hearings, which are currently mandatory, would become optional, and the formal review stages would also be reduced.
Proposal 2: City Contracting Process
The proposal would simplify the questionnaires that vendors seeking city contracts must complete, and require the Procurement Policy Board to meet at least once every three months. The board would also be able to lower requirements for some contractors. Mayor Mamdani's office said the change would reduce the administrative burden on small businesses and nonprofits.
Proposal 3: Approval Process for Transportation Projects and City-Owned Property
This proposal would change the approval process for major transportation projects, the sale or lease of city-owned real estate, and the city's purchase of office space. The mayor's office said that if it passes, road safety projects would be completed "at least 33%" faster.
Proposal 4: Building Permits
The proposal would expand the authority of more city officials to approve projects, and require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to create, by 2030, an integrated system that handles permit applications and approvals in one place.
Proposal 5: Rainy Day Fund
This proposal would set a savings target for the city's rainy day fund, which the city builds up in preparation for recessions, disasters and tax revenue shortfalls. It would require the mayor to establish a method for calculating the amount to be set aside.