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