Spring for Reform 2021
Citizens Union’s Annual Spring for Reform event brings together (virtually or in person!) an exciting mix of young professionals, civic,…
ElectNYC.org Launches, Giving NYC Voters Access to In-Depth, Nonpartisan Information About Candidates Ahead of June Primary
April 26, 2021 - Citizens Union Foundation (CUF) announced that the website ElectNYC.org, the organization’s nonpartisan voter education effort for the 2021 New York City elections, is now live. ElectNYC.org provides non-partisan and unbiased write-ups on the candidates running in the NYC primary and is the most comprehensive voter resource currently available.
Statement from Betsy Gotbaum on Passing of Former First Lady Joyce Dinkins
October 5, 2020 - “A wonderful, gentle and kind person has left us. Joyce Dinkins was a tremendous advocate for the city that she loved. I extend my deepest sympathies to Mayor Dinkins, their children, and Joyce’s many friends and loved ones.”
Citizens Union Announces Positions on Ballot Proposals for 2018 General Election
October 25, 2018 Download as a PDF For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jake Oliver jake@anatgerstein.com 347 361 9983 CITIZENS UNION…
Citizens Union condemns white supremacists and neo-nazis
June 10, 2018 - Yesterday, Mr. President was a day that will live in infamy. Your words and actions at yesterday's press conference were not only disturbing; they were repugnant and reprehensible.
Citizens Union Condemns President Trump’s Remarks Concerning Charlottesville Violence
August 16, 2017 - Since its inception 120 years ago, Citizens Union, New York's pre-eminent non-partisan good government group committed to uniting New Yorkers to build a better democracy, has focused on demanding more of our local government and local elected officials.
Citizens Union Files Historic Federal Lawsuit Against State Of New York And Governor
December 13, 2016 - Will fight a law designed to chill free speech and silence government critics by limiting contributions To charitable nonprofits working to educate the public.
Citizens Union Congratulates John Flanagan for Election as New York State Senate Temporary President of the Senate and Majority Leader
May 11, 2015 - Urges New Leader to Push Critical Reforms in the Wake of Corruption Charges.
Citizens Union Hails Heastie’s Election As First Assembly Speaker Of Color
February 5, 2015 - Good government group pleased to hear his public interest in ethics and compensation reform.
Good Government Groups Send Letter to Speaker Candidates Asking for Commitment to Public Forum
January 29, 2015 - Groups urge a transparent process in selection of new assembly speaker.
Citizens Union Statement On The Death Of Two NYPD Officers and The Need For Our City To Honor, Heal And Hope
December 27, 2014 - The execution of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos is a horrible tragedy. Coming as it did after two weeks of heated words, unfortunate demagoguery, and continuing protests makes the police officers’ deaths more painful and unsettling.
New Council Member Items Uphold Promise Of More Equality For Districts
June 25, 2014 - Districts to receive near equal amounts of expense funds and equal capital funds.
New Rules New Spirit at City Council
May 14, 2014 - Citizens Union commends the City Council and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for the adoption of a new set of rules for the Council that was the result of a public process unlike any done before by the Council.
Proposing Substantial Improvements to Reforming the Council’s Rules
April 29, 2014 - Citizens Union commends the City Council and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for proposing substantial improvements to reforming the Council’s rules and making it a more democratically-run legislative body.
New Report Details Opportunities And Challenges For Reform Of NYC Civil Service System
January 29, 2014 - Release in advance of tonight’s civic conversation will begin civic dialogue on reform options for new administration.
Citizens Union Congratulates Melissa Mark-Viverito on Selection as Next Speaker of New York City Council
January 8, 2014 - Calls on members of the council to embrace reforms to create a more democratic body and strong, effective speaker.
Statement on the Mayor’s Judicial Appointments by Citizens Union, the Fund for Modern Courts and the New York City Bar Association
December 17, 2013 - Three Civic Groups urge Mayor-Elect de Blasio to continue merit selection process for city judges begun by Mayor Koch.
Citizens Union Announces Majority Support In New York City Council For Long-needed Council Rules Reforms
November 20, 2013 - Widespread support exists to address even those personal benefits often prized by councilmembers - reduce number of committees, limit “Lulus” to leadership positions, and create a more equitable and needs-based discretionary funding process.
Citizens Union Announces Majority Support in New York City Council for Long-Needed Council Rules Reforms
November 20, 2013 - Widespread Support Exists to Address Even Those Personal Benefits Often Prized by Councilmembers - Reduce Number of Committees, Limit “Lulus” to Leadership Positions, and Create a More Equitable and Needs-Based Discretionary Funding Process
Last Minute Voter? Gotham Gazette Has A Guide To Help
September 6, 2013 - Everything last minute voters need to know, all in one place.
Gotham Gazette Launches New Design & Editorial Focus
February 25, 2013 - Releases major investigative report On New York State’s Failure To Provide Oversight on nursing homes’ use of chemical restraints on older New Yorkers. First significant site redesign in 14 years for Citizens Union Foundation’s pioneering watchdog publication.
Good Government Groups Question Use of Message of Necessity
January 15, 2013 - Public Safety Goal of Anti-Gun Violence Measure Laudable But Public Interest Not Served Well When Democratic Process Short Circuited.
Citizens Union Commends Governor Cuomo for Expansive Reform and Transparency Agenda in State of the State Address
January 9, 2013 - Citizens Union commends Governor Cuomo for again making the case for campaign finance reform in his annual State of the State address.
Gotham Gazette Unveils Councilpedia, An Innovative Online Tool to Track Money in City Politics
February 3, 2011 - New project opens up local government activity to information sharing by New Yorkers.
Citizens Union Releases Report Card on Council Rules and Operations
January 19, 2010 - Hails 4-year progress in transparency but urges end to committee stipends. Report calls for number of committees to be halved and council meetings to be webcast.
Asks twenty-one supportive councilmembers to vote their position and end stipends.