The New York City Charter is the framework for how our city is governed, laying the foundation for how our government operates and the roles and responsibilities of our elected officials and city departments. The City Charter has been revised countless times, and is a living document that reflects the form and priorities of our government over time.
Throughout its history, Citizens Union has supported periodic comprehensive review of the New York City Charter absent a political agenda via the appointment of an independent Charter Revision Commission to ensure that city government is operating effectively, efficiently and in the public’s best interest. We believe that revising the City Charter (whether through a commission or legislative action) should be conducted deliberately and judiciously by engaging a broad spectrum of experts and ordinary New Yorkers.
Citizens Union advised many efforts to revise the Charter and every Chater Revision Commission, and has recommended avenues for shared decision-making, local input, and independent oversight, while maintaining New York City’s strong mayoral form of government. CU’s Charter proposals that have transformed the lives of New Yorkers include the creation of community boards, abolishing the undemocratic Board of Estimate, the expansion of the City Council with increased powers, elections by proportional representation (in the 1930’s) and Ranked Choice Voting (in the 2020’s), empowering the Civilian Complaint Review Board to conduct investigations into police misconduct, strengthening the public campaign finance program, and many others.
Recent Activity – City Charter Revision
Testimony before the 2024 Charter Revision Commission – Public Safety Hearing
Citizens Union Calls on the Charter Revision Commission Not to Propose Major Changes in Such a Rushed Timeline and to Prevent Future Charter Gamesmanship
Testimony on Intro 908-A, expanding advice and consent (before City Council vote)
Citizens Union Responds to Poor Attendance at the First Public Meeting of the Hastily Planned Charter Revision Commission
Citizens Union urges the City Council not to rush through advice and consent expansion
Citizens Union Announces Positions on a Statewide Ballot Proposal and Three Citywide Ballot Proposals for 2022 General Election
Citizens Union Celebrates Passing of Ranked Choice Voting and Reforms to the Civilian Complaint Review Board
Citizens Union Announces Positions On Ballot Proposals For 2019 General Election
Citizens Union Applauds Charter Revision Commission for Putting Ranked Choice Voting, CCRB Reforms on November Ballot
2019 CRC – Response to Preliminary Staff Report
2019 CRC Testimony – Public Advocate
2019 CRC Testimony – Police Accountability
2018 CRC Testimony – Community Boards
2018 CRC Testimony – Campaign Finance
2018 CRC Testimony – Hearing
Citizens Union Testimony on Int. 241 – Charter Revision Commission
Citizens Union Critiques Mayor de Blasio’s Influence on the Charter Revision Commission Process
Citizens Union Issues Recommendations On City Charter Revision Proposals On The Ballot November 2nd 2010
2010 City Charter Revision Commission Ballot Questions
On March 3, 2010, Mayor Bloomberg announced the appointment of a City Charter Revision Commission consisting of fifteen members charged…