As my time as Executive Director of Citizens Union comes to an end, I find myself reflecting not only on what we have accomplished but also on the work that remains. Our fight for accountable and ethical governance is far from over.

This year, New Yorkers will again head to the polls to decide the future of our city. Local elections are critical, yet voter turnout remains abysmally low. We must continue our efforts to engage and inform voters, ensuring that our government reflects the voices of all New Yorkers. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against the ethical failures that erode public trust. From the troubling actions of our current mayor to the brazen corruption we’re seeing in Washington, it is clear that we have much work to do.

Across the country, bad actors are working to undermine free and fair elections, restrict voting rights, and weaken the institutions that uphold our democracy. The need for organizations like Citizens Union—watchdogs committed to accountability and reform—has never been greater. Although I will no longer serve as Executive Director, I will remain engaged in fighting for good government. I hope you will, too. By staying informed, holding leaders accountable, and supporting organizations that defend democracy, we can build a future worthy of our city and our nation.
Best,

Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation

P.S. I hope to see you at our Civic Conversation with Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday, April 2nd. RSVP to attend here.

POLICY UPDATES

Briefing on Strengthening our Democracy

With increasing threats from Washington D.C. and low public trust in government, now is the time to strengthen democracy in New York. This month, we brought this message to the state capitol at a policy briefing for lawmakers and staffers, hosted by the chairs of the elections committees in both houses, Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Latrice Walker, and organized by our colleagues at the Let NY Vote coalition.

The briefing surveyed important areas where we can improve election administration, increase turnout, and make voting easier for eligible voters who experience difficulties accessing the ballot, including college students and people in detention. We also emphasized the urgency of moving elections for city offices to even-numbered years.

You can find Let NY Vote’s legislative agenda here and check out our full policy report on our recommended Charter reforms.

City Council Urges State to Reform Charter Revision Process

This month, the City Council passed a resolution calling on the state legislature to pass urgently needed reforms to improve how we revise our city’s charter. Citizens Union, the New York Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters of the City of New York, and Reinvent Albany supported the measure. Council Member Lincoln Restler sponsored the resolution, which received backing from Speaker Adrienne Adams.

Now is the time for the state legislature to pass bill S.590/A.3665, sponsored by Senator Krueger and Assembly Member Simone. This bill would prevent mayors from blocking ballot questions by establishing their own charter revision commission and would also require minimum timeframes for charter commissions.

Read our memo supporting the passage of the Council Resolution and our memo supporting the passage of the state legislation.

Read our full policy report on our recommended Charter reforms here, and read our Testimony before the 2025 Charter Revision Commission, here.

Building a Stronger Democracy: Citizens Union Pushes for Key NYC Charter Reforms

The City Council established the Charter Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy late last year. Beginning in March, the Commission held public hearings to gather feedback to improve government accountability, transparency, and reform. During one such public hearing, we presented the commissioners with recommendations for reform. These included establishing a process for the mayor’s removal and expanding the powers and independence of the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB). Our proposals also seek to improve poor voter participation in local elections by moving city elections to even-numbered years and opening the city’s closed partisan primary election system.

Celebrating Betsy Gotbaum Lifetime Achievement Honor

Citizens Union is thrilled to celebrate our Executive Director, Betsy Gotbaum, as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree in City & State’s 2025 Above & Beyond: Women list!

Throughout her decades-long career—as New York City Public Advocate, Parks Commissioner, and champion for good government—Betsy has fought to make our city more accessible and transparent. From ensuring every NYPD officer had a bulletproof vest to protecting the Public Advocate’s office from being dismantled, her impact is immeasurable.

As Betsy prepares to pass the torch at Citizens Union, her legacy of public service continues. Whether advocating for government accountability or helping everyday New Yorkers navigate bureaucracy, she embodies what it means to be a true civic leader.

Read more about Betsy’s incredible legacy in City & State.

Victory for NYC Streets: City Council Passes Sidewalk Shed Reforms

For too long, outdated rules have allowed sidewalk sheds to become permanent fixtures on our streets, creating hazards instead of protecting pedestrians. Thanks to the leadership of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher, the City Council has passed long-overdue reforms to ensure sheds don’t linger indefinitely.

Citizens Union’s 2023 report, “Sidewalk Shed Reform in New York City,” called for precisely this kind of action, and we commend Speaker Adrienne Adams for prioritizing these changes. This is a win for New Yorkers—restoring our streetscapes while keeping pedestrians safe.

You’re Invited!

Join us on Wednesday, April 2, for our next Civic Conversation with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, moderated by Citizen Union’s Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum.

RSVP to attend here.

CU IN THE NEWS

New York Focus | Cuomo Failed to Disclose Lobbyists Who Bundled Donations | March 20, 2025

The Guardian | New York City paying $500,000 a month to indicted developer who could testify against Mayor Eric Adams | March 19, 2025

THE CITY | Comptroller Urges Cancellation of $20M Contract Extension for Indicted Eric Adams Campaign Fundraiser | March 19, 2025

New York Focus | Patronage Never Left: New York Courts Still Favor the Politically Connected | March 5, 2025

WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE

ProPublica: How Eric Adams Has Backed a Secretive NYPD Unit Ridden With Abuses

New York Times: Workers Say They Were Pressured to Pay for N.Y.C. Election Jobs

City & State: Eric Adams 2025 is still claiming matching funds. A sizable share of his claims are invalid.