Labor Day has come and gone, bringing to a close an uncharacteristically busy summer in New York politics. We’ve got a lot planned for the fall as we continue to monitor NYC’s redistricting process and advocate for ethics reform in Albany. We are also looking forward to some exciting events.
On Wednesday, we had a wonderful Civic Conversation with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, moderated by CU Board Member and CNN Senior Political Analyst John Avalon. I want to thank Speaker Adams and John for an engaging conversation about the issues facing the city, including redistricting. We are incredibly grateful to Cozen O’Connor for sponsoring the event. It was so lovely to see so many of you there.
I hope to see you again on October 18 for our 2022 Gotham Greats Celebration at the Metropolitan Club. We are excited to be joined by our distinguished honorees – former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Doug and Wendy Eisenberg, Tali Farhadian Weinstein, John Avlon and Margaret Hoover. Please join us for what will be a memorable evening.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
2022 GOTHAM GREATS CELEBRATION
On Tuesday, October 18th, Citizens Union will hold our annual Gotham Greats Celebration at The Metropolitan Club. We are pleased to celebrate our 125th year by honoring the accomplishments of our honorees.
Congratulations to our honorees!
Click here to sponsor the event, purchase tickets, or make a donation.
POLICY UPDATES
Update on Council Redistricting; NYC Districting Commission Voted Down the Proposed City Council District Maps
Last week, in a surprising move, the New York City Districting Commission voted down the second draft of the district maps.
The December 7 deadline for the final maps is around the corner. We are concerned that any further delay will minimize the time for public feedback on a revised map. The Commission should hold its following deliberations in public for transparency and to prompt healthy dialogue between commissioners.
Based on our initial review of the proposed maps that were denied, it seems that the Commission was responsive to the feedback of thousands of New Yorkers engaged in this process.
You can read Citizen Union’s complete statement in response to the New York City Districting Commission vote here.
Ethics Reform in Albany
The new state ethics body, established to replace the defunct JCOPE, convened for the first time this month.
Citizens Union and other good government groups urged the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (CELG) to begin its work immediately after an Independent Review Committee, composed of the State’s law school deans, has approved seven out of eleven commissioners.
After their first meeting, we offered commissioners thoughtful and practical proposals on how to reset expectations about ethics enforcement in New York State. These include appointing an Executive Director after a nationwide search, prohibiting ex parte communications with the elected officials who appointed ethics commissioners, and requiring trauma-informed harassment training for commissioners and senior staff.
Recap of Our Civic Conversation with NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
On Wednesday, we had a wonderful “Civic Conversation” with NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, moderated by Senior Political Analyst and CNN Anchor John Avlon. Speaker Adams spoke candidly about several policy issues affecting the city, including her position on the influx of immigrants, addressing the homeless crisis, bail reform, the process of redistricting, the education system, affordable housing, women’s health care, outdoor dining, and more.
We want to thank her for taking the time out of her busy schedule to participate in this program and to everyone who joined us.
You can find out more about past and future Civic Conversations by clicking here.
CU IN THE NEWS
The New York Times
The Redistricting Mess Comes to New York’s City Council
September 20, 2022
Spectrum News NY1
City Council redistricting process breaks down
September 22, 2022
Queens Daily Eagle
City’s Districting Commission Votes Down Council Maps
September 23, 2022
POLITICO
City Hall Made 11th Hour Push to Torpedo Council Lines
September 26, 2022
Streets Blog NYC
Council Speaker Makes Her Choice: Car Storage over Diners and Restauranteurs
September 28, 2022
City & State
Outdoor dining plan still set to allow roadway seating, council confirms
September 29, 2022
amNY
Council Speaker Adams wants to curb outdoor dining’s street structures
September 29, 2022
GOTHAM GAZETTE
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