Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation are committed to reforming New York City and State government by fostering accountability, accessibility, transparency, honesty and the highest ethical standards. Always nonpartisan, since 1897, we have devoted ourselves to holding our government accountable and the enfranchisement of all New Yorkers.
Fighting for reform, fighting for New York.
Our Most Recent Press Releases
Statement from Citizens Union in Response to Resignation of NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey
December 21, 2024 – Citizens Union issues the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in response to the resignation of NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey
Citizens Union Unanimously Elects John Avlon as New Board Chair
December 18, 2024 – Citizens Union announced the election of John Avlon as their new Board Chair. Avlon, an accomplished journalist, author, civic leader, and former congressional candidate, succeeds Randy Mastro, who has served with distinction as Chair since 2016. Avlon was elected unanimously by the boards of Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation.
Statement from Citizens Union on Mayor Adams’ Announcement of a New Charter Revision Commission
December 12, 2024– Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in response to Mayor Eric Adams’s announcement of the appointment of a Charter Revision Commission
Voting Rights Groups Call for City Council to Reconsider Seddio BOE Nomination
December 9, 2024– several good government groups and political club sent a letter to the New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and top Council officials expressing concern over the possible appointment of Frank Seddio, former chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, for Commissioner of Elections. Seddio has been nominated by the Brooklyn Democratic Party for a term that begins on January 1, 2025. A date for the confirmation has not been set.
Watchdogs Support NY Post FOIL Lawsuit Requesting Police Disciplinary Records Prior to June 2020
December 6, 2024– Watchdog groups Reinvent Albany, Citizens Union, and Common Cause NY submitted an amicus brief to the New York State Court of Appeals supporting the New York Post’s lawsuit seeking the public disclosure of police disciplinary records created prior to June 2020, when the state law repealing §50-a of the Civil Rights Law took effect. The groups advocate for open and accountable government in New York, including strengthening the state’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and supported the repeal of 50-a in 2022.
CU Joins Coalition to Push for State Amendment to Boost NYC Voter Turnout
December 5, 2024– Citizens Union was proud to join a coalition of more than 20 civic, community, and voting rights groups in supporting City Council Resolution 189-A (Ung), which urges the New York State Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment to move New York City’s municipal elections to even-numbered years.
Statement from Citizens Union on New York Voters Passing Proposition 1, Citywide Ballot Questions 2-5 and Rejecting Proposition 6
November 6, 2024– Citizens Union has released the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in response to the results of Tuesday evening’s election
Citizens Union Response to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’s Proposed Legislation Creating a New Charter Revision Commission
October 21, 2024 – Citizens Union has released the following statement in response to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’s announcement that she will propose legislation creating a new Charter Revision Commission