In our initial launch, Searchlight gave the floor to candidates in the most competitive races in the city. This week – and likely, for a few more to come – we plunge into the deep weeds of budgetary policy.
Last month, Mayor Mamdani announced the Commission on Government Efficiency, a Charter Review Commission looking for ways to streamline the bureaucracy. Yes, that’s COGE. Unlike the similarly named DOGE, this taskforce reflects some of the most brilliant minds in public service, offering a deliberate approach to reform without throwing out the baby with the bath water.
With a remit that extends into July, members will be holding meetings throughout the five boroughs, listening to the public, gaining insights on how agency responses can be improved. At Citizens Union, we’re committed to get as much information out to the public, thus expect a series of Searchlight columns tracking COGE’s mission.
Starting off in The Lead position this week is the hardest working person in New York journalism, the one and only Errol Louis – an institution himself. For more than two decades, the NY1 political anchor has held elected officials and unelected officials accountable across the vast spread of local government.
Not surprisingly, he has some brilliant observations on how the work of an already existing agency – the Independent Budget Office – could be put to use and potentially save the city millions in the process.
More COGE commentary coming!