'What DOGE never did': NYC Mayor Mamdani launches 'COGE' amid instant comparisons to Musk
NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday, May 28, announced the creation of a new panel aimed at improving the effectiveness of city government, adopting a name that immediately drew comparisons to Elon Musk's former Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
The new body, dubbed the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), will examine how city government operates and seek recommendations for improving performance, accountability and fiscal management.
Announcing the initiative on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, Mamdani said the commission would focus on helping city government work more efficiently for residents.
“This morning we are introducing COGE- the Commission on Government Efficiency,” Mamdani wrote. “This Commission will find ways for our city to work smarter, faster, and more effectively for working people.”
Zohran Mamdani says public input will shape reforms
According to city officials, the commission will gather suggestions from residents and experts as it evaluates potential changes to city governance. The process will include a series of public hearings across New York City beginning June 9.
Recommendations from the commission could ultimately lead to proposed amendments to the city charter aimed at streamlining government operations and improving service delivery.
This morning we are introducing COGE — the Commission on Government Efficiency.⁰⁰This Commission will find ways for our city to work smarter, faster, and more effectively for working people. ⁰⁰New Yorkers deserve a city government as careful with their money as they are.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 28, 2026
Mamdani said the goal is to ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively while maintaining a strong commitment to public services.
The initiative is expected to examine bureaucratic processes, administrative structures and operational practices across city agencies.
Mayor rejects comparisons to DOGE
Although the commission’s name closely mirrors Musk’s DOGE initiative, Mamdani argued that the similarities end there.
Speaking to reporters, the mayor described the title as a useful shorthand but said his approach to government efficiency differs fundamentally from Musk’s efforts.
He argued that efficiency should not be viewed as a partisan objective and should instead be embraced by anyone who supports effective public institutions.
Mamdani criticized DOGE for what he characterized as a focus on cutting jobs and reducing services, saying his administration’s commission would concentrate on improving outcomes rather than shrinking government.
Mamdani: "Government efficiency — these are words that somehow have been understood as if they are Republican priorities, when in fact they're the priorities of anyone who believes in the public sector. Any yet, Elon Musk took that language and used it to cut as many jobs that… pic.twitter.com/lUbbHY7oPr
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 28, 2026
According to the mayor, COGE’s mission is to deliver practical reforms that make government more responsive without undermining programs relied upon by residents.
Despite the attention generated by its name, New York’s COGE is not the first government body to use the term. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte established a commission with the same name in early 2025 as part of her administration’s effort to review government operations and spending.
The concept also follows the rise and fall of DOGE, which was launched by Musk during President Donald Trump’s second term with the stated goal of reducing bureaucracy and government expenditures.
The White House formally wound down DOGE last year, with officials later describing it less as a government entity and more as a governing philosophy.
Mamdani’s administration says the new commission will focus on finding practical ways to improve city services, reduce inefficiencies and strengthen public trust in government.
