Who We Are
For more than a century, Citizens Union has been at the forefront of reform in New York City. We are a nonpartisan and independent good-government group made up of New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, dedicated to making democracy work for all and united in putting the public interest ahead of special interests. A principled and pragmatic civic watchdog, we combat corruption and fight for political reform in City and state governments.
What We Do
Citizens Union works to ensure honest and accountable government, fair and open elections, and a civically engaged public. We are an independent force for constructive reform, driving policy solutions and educating the public to achieve responsible and responsive government in the City and State of New York.
What We Achieved
Founded in 1897 by a group of outraged residents who banded together to start a new, independent political party, the Citizens Union quickly defeated the entrenched and corrupt Tammany Hall political machine when New Yorkers elected Citizens Union candidate Seth Low as mayor. To avoid the problem of party patronage, Citizens Union transitioned from a political party to a nonpartisan civic group in 1908, establishing the Citizens Union of the City of New York, commonly known as CU. In 1948, CU established a research arm, Citizens Union Foundation of the City of New York (501c3 organization). In 1999, Citizens Union Foundation launched Gotham Gazette, a pioneering trusted source for in-depth reporting and analysis on the decisions and debates shaping the lives of New Yorkers. In 2025, the 5BORO Institute joined Citizens Union as new public policy program, focused on advancing practical policies that improve the quality of life in our city.
With the support of our members, supporters, and dedicated New Yorkers, Citizens Union has secured scores of victories that have transformed New York City’s democracy.
- From establishing permanent voter registration in the 1950s to introducing Early Voting in 2019, we have made it easier for New Yorkers to register to vote and cast their ballots.
- From early civil service reforms to creating strong ethics watchdogs, we have built a cleaner and more transparent government that serves the public interest rather than party bosses.
- Through decades of advocacy to limit the influence of money in politics, we helped create the strongest public campaign finance system in the country, ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds can run for office and remain accountable to voters—not wealthy donors.
- By pushing to create community boards, abolish the Board of Estimate, and enshrine Home Rule, we have strengthened our local democracy, allowing New Yorkers to have a greater say in the governance of the city.
- Other victories include regulating Super PACs, banning gerrymandering, establishing merit-based judges’ selection, improving police misconduct oversight, and many more.
Citizens Union’s public education programs and civic engagement programs have long served New Yorkers. Since 1910, we have published a voters’ guide before every election, evaluating candidates for elected office and backing those who strongly support reform. From 1999 to 2023, we published Gotham Gazette, an award-winning news outlet covering New York City and State government, policy, and politics.
How You Can Help
Citizens Union is a member-based organization, and our members play a key role in developing policy, evaluating candidates for office, and advocating for reform. You can join Citizens Union by visiting our membership page.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, and research from Citizens Union, by subscribing to our email list.
Citizens Union is an independent organization and receives no funding from government resources. Your contribution is essential to our mission—and because of donors like you, Citizens Union remains New York’s leading watchdog and good government organization. Please consider supporting us.
Click here to see our organizational governance and transparency documents.