Let’s be honest — New Yorkers, like Americans more broadly, aren’t mad that government spends money. They’re mad that it spends so much, and it still doesn’t work.

The federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has torn through bureaucracy with reckless abandon — axing policies, people, and processes under the banner of reform. But instead of thoughtful improvements, DOGE has been a bull in a china shop, proving that efficiency done wrong can be far more damaging than inefficiency left alone.

Here in New York, the city’s FY2025 adopted budget is a staggering $112.4 billion — the largest municipal budget in the country, bigger than that of all but four states.

Yet what do New Yorkers get for it?

Not much, according to them. A 2023 survey by the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) found only 24% of New Yorkers rated city services as good or excellent. Just 11% thought their tax dollars were being spent wisely. Both numbers are down more than 40% since the last survey. That’s a failing grade.

Let’s dig in.

The most recent data from 2022 shows that NYC spent more per student than anyone in the nation — an eye-popping $37,136 — more than double the national average, and the highest in the country. Statewide, we also top the charts. But the results don’t match the price tag. Based on national exams, fourth graders in the state ranked 32nd in reading and 46th in math. Eighth graders fared better, at 9th and 22nd. Mixed at best.

Our housing system is no better. Redundancies, delays, and bottlenecks plague every step of new construction. Even after buildings are fully inspected, new tenants with vouchers can’t move in without yet another inspection from yet another agency. It’s never one-and-done in this city.

Even basic government functions feel Sisyphean. That’s not governance — it’s gridlock. And it costs New Yorkers dearly: in rent, in shelter stays, in stalled housing mobility.

But we can fix this. We have the tools. What we lack is the will.

Here’s what needs to change:

Measure What Matters.

Frustrated by long 311 hold times or inconsistent trash pickup? You’re not alone. But the Mayor’s Management Report (MMR), launched in 1977, is a relic — thousands of stats that don’t answer the only question that matters: is government actually solving problems? We need to ditch performative management and start measuring outcomes. A comprehensive, annual resident survey — long advocated by CBC — should be standard, and it should start now. If government isn’t listening, it isn’t working.

Prioritize Moments That Matter.

Life in the Big Apple is complicated, and sometimes it can feel like the city makes it worse. Our housing crisis is being handled by multiple deputy mayors and agencies, when what we need is one empowered leader. Appoint a deputy mayor for housing delivery — someone with the authority and data to streamline decisions and cut red tape.

Demand Accountability.

We need leadership that drives performance, not paperwork. Every agency should have clear, public goals—and be required to report on them quarterly online. And not in buried PDFs — on the homepage, in plain sight, with clear, understandable evaluations. Just because most taxpayers can’t take their dollars elsewhere doesn’t mean they should standby and accept subpar service.

Compete for Trust, Not Customers.

Operational change is hard. But standing by broken systems is worse. The administrative burden — the “time tax” on residents trying to navigate services — costs not only hours, but trust. Applying for child care or SNAP still means dealing with outdated forms, duplicate documentation, and clunky portals. In the private sector, companies that operate this way lose customers. Government just keeps residents waiting — and losing faith.

Treat Frustration as Fuel.

New Yorkers aren’t apathetic, yet, but they are angry. And that anger is a sign of their deep investment in this city. Don’t ignore it. Use it. Frustration is a resource, and it can guide smarter, faster, and better government.

DOGE’s slash-and-burn approach should serve as a warning, not a model. Efficiency isn’t about ribbon-cuttings or firing sprees. It’s about delivering results that last — for everyone.

As we enter a new mayoral season, we don’t need more management for management’s sake. We need a leader with the vision and courage to tell the truth about what’s working — and what’s not — and do something about it.

La Rocca served as NYC Department of Buildings commissioner and the first chief efficiency officer of New York City.

https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/05/27/nyc-government-isnt-efficient-and-we-know-it/