Towards Mass Governance in New York City

Abstract

This working paper advances a strategy for “mass governance” in New York City: treating New Yorkers not as stakeholders to be consulted, but as co-governors with real, binding power over budgets, transit, rents, services, and enforcement. It argues that the Mamdani administration’s durability depends on governing the way it campaigned, channeling the energy of 100,000+ volunteers into institutions that can broaden the governing coalition, build working-class political capacity, and deliver visible material gains. The memo proposes a common architecture with three pillars: empowered participatory spaces (including assemblies, upgraded community boards, and issue forums), mass volunteerism as civic infrastructure, and “campaigning from government” as the default posture for major policy fights. It outlines cross-cutting design principles, first-year priorities, and immediate next steps, including pilot assemblies, volunteer campaigns, and a Mass Governance Working Group to align existing participatory infrastructure and high-profile initiatives with this approach.