Ann Cheng on Government Efficiency, Procurement, and Making New York City Work Better

Greg sits down with Ann Cheng, Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Government Efficiency, for a conversation about the city’s five ballot proposals, the systems behind government services, and what greater efficiency could mean for workers, nonprofits, small businesses, and communities across New York City.

October 22, 2026

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Greg and Ann discuss proposed changes to outdoor dining applications, procurement, street-safety projects, construction permits, and the city’s rainy day fund. They also examine what procurement delays mean for nonprofits trying to hire and pay workers, how government can move faster without weakening oversight or labor standards, and why implementation will ultimately determine whether proposed efficiencies translate into better outcomes for New Yorkers.

Throughout the conversation, Ann makes the case that restoring trust in government starts with making everyday systems work, from paying providers on time to making it easier for New Yorkers to interact with city agencies, while preserving meaningful opportunities for public input.