NYC Voters Approve All Five Ballot Proposals, Slashing Red Tape for Dining, Bike Lanes, and Permits

New York City voters gave overwhelming approval to all five charter revision proposals on Election Day, November 4, 2026, all aimed at cutting government red tape. Proposal 1 (63.2% yes) streamlines permits for private use of public space — including outdoor dining and accessibility ramps — eliminating mandatory public hearings and expected to reduce outdoor dining approval times from eight months to roughly two months. Proposal 2 (61.6% yes) reduces paperwork for businesses and nonprofits seeking city contracts, projected to cut about 30 days from some procurement processes. Proposal 3 (65.5% yes) combines changes to street safety projects such as bike and bus lanes with reforms to city-owned property management. Proposal 4 (67.5% yes) establishes a centralised permitting hub consolidating 40 permits from 18 different agencies, with a targeted launch of December 2029. Proposal 5 (72.3% yes) sets city emergency reserve targets at 12% of the prior fiscal year's tax revenue. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the changes would help address the affordability crisis by cutting bureaucratic delays. All five measures were advanced in July by Mayor Mamdani's Commission on Government Efficiency.