September 28th, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Corgan
350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, USA
Ann Cheng is the Executive Director of the Commission on Government Efficiency. Cheng most recently served as Director of Strategic Initiatives in the New York State Governor's Office, where she successfully led coordinated legislative and communications efforts to secure key policy wins in the 2026 state budget. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff for the CUNY Office of Budget and Finance and prior to that held multiple senior roles in New York City government. Cheng received a Hayes Innovation Award for co-founding the nation-leading New York City Asylum Application Help Center, led the Capital Process Reform Task Force to several legislative victories, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Staff Secretary to Mayor de Blasio during the COVID-19 crisis. Prior to entering government, Cheng taught high school and worked in higher education.
Eric Phillips is a Senior Counsel to the Mayor of New York and City Hall. In this role, he advises City Hall on a range of matters including housing, executive orders, tax and finance, charter revision, conflicts of interest, and mayoral powers. He has spent over a decade working at the intersection of law, public policy, and municipal governance in both New York City and Chicago. Most recently, Eric was Vice President of Policy at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), where he spearheaded major initiatives, including directing $185 million in rental arrears assistance and leading development of tenant-facing policies and protections under the new Public Housing Preservation Trust. Before NYCHA, Eric spent five years as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department, where he advised City Hall and agencies on issues ranging from tax and finance to transportation, housing, mayoral and Charter authority, and legislation. His civic interests center on tackling wealth inequality and expanding affordable housing. Eric is a graduate of NYU School of Law.
Join us for a conversation on ballot proposals developed by the Commission on Government Efficiency with Ann Cheng and Eric Phillips.
This past year, the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) convened to develop proposals to modernize City government and speed up the delivery of permits, contracts, and street safety infrastructure. COGE advanced five ballot questions that would streamline permitting across agencies, accelerate nonprofit procurement, fast-track street safety projects, and strengthen the City’s fiscal reserves. In November, voters will have the chance to decide on reforms that would make government work faster and more effectively for New Yorkers.
How can City government better deliver the streets, housing, and public spaces our neighborhoods deserve?
Guest & Accessibility Policies
Urban Design Forum promotes conversations between invited civic leaders, designers, developers, and advocates. This event is open to Forum Members. Members may also invite a guest to join them.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
- This venue is ADA accessible. There will be microphones and speakers.
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
- Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
- If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
Continuing Education
This event has been approved for both AICP and AIA CES LU.
About Public Works
Public Works is a discussion series to drive civic dialogue around new and forthcoming built environment projects in New York City. Throughout the year, we invite government officials and private sector leaders to present design and development initiatives that shape the public good. Our goal is to create an open and collegial venue for deeper conversation between the public sector and our network of civic leaders building, caring for, and maintaining our city.
Support Our Work
Public Works is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
To learn more about supporting Public Works, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.
Image Credit: NYC Department of Transportation
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