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
Citizens Union Applauds NYC Districting Commission for Open Map Drawing Sessions, Allowing Public to See How City Council District Maps Are Drawn
Citizens Union releases the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum after the New York City Districting Commission completed their two day process for drawing maps for New York City’s 51 council districts, which was open to the public
Watchdogs Ask New Members of Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government to Reset Expectations about NYS Ethics Oversight
In a letter to the new members of the NYS State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, watchdog groups said that the creation of the new Commission provides the opportunity to “reset” public and state officers and employees’ expectations about state ethics oversight.
Citizens Union Responds to NYC Districting Commission Voting Down Proposed City Council District Maps
Citizens Union releases the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum after New York City Districting Commission voted down the second draft of the district maps as part of the redistricting process for New York City’s 51 council districts
Watchdog Groups Say New Ethics Commission Should Begin Work this Month
Now that the New York State Independent Review Committee composed of the State’s law school deans has approved seven out of eleven commissioners, we urge New York’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (CELG) to begin its work immediately. There are now enough commissioners appointed for a quorum – the legal minimum required to conduct business.
Watchdogs Ask Governor Hochul to Require Yearly Updates of NYS Agency Transparency Plans
Watchdog and civic technology groups asked Governor Hochul to issue an Executive Order mandating annual updates to the state agency transparency plans she first required in September 2021.
Watchdogs, Community Groups Urge NYC Districting Commission to Hold Mapping Deliberations in Public
On August 10, Citizens Union was joined by dozens of other good government and community groups in urging the New York City Districting Commission to hold mapping deliberations on the new City Council district plan as part of an open public meeting, and to provide the public with a detailed explanation of how and why the new Council lines are drawn.
Citizens Union Announces Preferences of Eight Candidates for State Senate in Competitive August Primaries
Citizens Union announced its preferences in 8 contested primary elections for State Senate. Citizens Union undertook a rigorous evaluation of 19 candidates running for office in all five boroughs. The process had to be adjusted to align with the new court-ordered redistricted maps and the evaluation spanned several months.
Citizens Union Responds to NYC Districting Commission’s Release of the Draft Maps
Citizens Union releases the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum after New York City Districting Commission released the first draft of the district maps for New York City’s 51 City Council districts
Recent Events
Civic Conversations, Spring for Reform 2020
