Not just the Mayoral Election: New Yorkers face six key questions alongside Zohran Mamdani vs Andrew Cuomo showdown

Imagine standing in a crowded polling station, ballot in hand, knowing your choices could shape the city for years. In 2025, New Yorkers aren’t just electing a mayor; they are voting on six proposals that could transform housing, modernize city operations, shift elections to presidential years, and expand ski trails in the Adirondacks. Understanding each measure is key before casting your vote.

State level amendment – Olympic sports complex in Adirondacks

Ballot Proposal 1 seeks to amend the New York State Constitution, which requires statewide approval. The measure focuses on the Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County, which sits on state forest preserve land.

Key points:

• The proposal would allow the expansion of new ski trails within the complex.
• To compensate for the land use, the state must add 2,500 acres of protected forest land to Adirondack Park.

This proposal is the only one on the ballot involving changes to the State Constitution, distinguishing it from the other five measures, which are specific to New York City governance.

Affordable housing reforms in the city

Proposals 2, 3, and 4 focus on streamlining housing approvals and addressing New York City’s affordable housing challenges. These measures were suggested by the 2025 Charter Revision Commission, which reviewed the City Charter, held public hearings, and considered community feedback.

Ballot proposal 2 – Fast track affordable housing

• Introduces two new fast-track approval processes:
  
  
• For publicly financed affordable housing projects.
• For affordable housing in the 12 community districts with the lowest rates of affordable housing development.

Ballot proposal 3 – Simplified review for smaller projects

• Creates an expedited review process for modest land use and infrastructure projects.
• Applies to smaller-scale projects, such as zoning changes or adaptations for extreme weather or future city challenges.
• In most cases, this removes final review by the City Council, speeding up approval timelines.

Ballot proposal 4 – Affordable housing appeals board

• Establishes an Affordable Housing Appeals Board to handle disputes when the City Council rejects or alters a project.
• Board composition: local Borough President, Speaker of the City Council, and Mayor.
• Decisions require a two-to-one vote to overturn the City Council.

These three proposals aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, accelerate housing construction, and clarify approval processes, particularly in neighbourhoods with limited affordable housing.

City planning and operational modernisation

Two additional measures focus on modernising city administration and improving voter engagement.

Ballot proposal 5 – Digital city map

• Assigns the Department of City Planning (DCP) responsibility for creating, maintaining, and digitising a single authoritative city map.
• Goal: modernise city operations, enhance transparency, and provide a unified reference for land use and planning decisions.
  

Ballot proposal 6 – Aligning local elections with Presidential years

• Moves New York City election dates to coincide with federal presidential elections.
• Objective: increase voter participation by consolidating election cycles.

These proposals are designed to make city governance more efficient and improve civic engagement without altering fundamental policies.

Understanding the ballot process

• Ballot proposals allow voters to decide on changes to governing documents: the State Constitution or the City Charter.
• Proposals 2–6 were developed after the Charter Revision Commission conducted public hearings and reviewed citizen input.
• Citizens, organisations, and elected officials submitted statements for or against each measure, which were summarised to inform voters.

For detailed pros and cons of each proposal, resources like the League of Women Voters of New York City provide comprehensive guidance.