Citizens Union
@citizensunionny.bsky.social
Democracy is our business.
https://citizensunion.org/
https://citizensunion.org/
Big news: Grace Rauh, our Exec Dir tapped to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social 's Transition Committee on Youth and Education. Child care is economic infrastructure & we’re proud to help shape this pivotal moment to strengthen NYC’s childcare system for working families.
November 24, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Big news: Grace Rauh, our Exec Dir tapped to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social 's Transition Committee on Youth and Education. Child care is economic infrastructure & we’re proud to help shape this pivotal moment to strengthen NYC’s childcare system for working families.
Restoring trust in NYC gov starts with real ethics & accountability reform. We're encouraged the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy is advancing measures including a long-overdue process to remove a mayor for misconduct & guaranteed funding for oversight agencies. Full statement 👇
November 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Restoring trust in NYC gov starts with real ethics & accountability reform. We're encouraged the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy is advancing measures including a long-overdue process to remove a mayor for misconduct & guaranteed funding for oversight agencies. Full statement 👇
The Watchdog never sleeps. After the election, NYC politics is still barking with news:
💸 Super PAC loopholes exposed
🚔 NYPD oversight shake-up
🗳️ Agencies flunk voter registration law
🏛️ Mamdani names top staff
📊 Who showed up at the polls
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
💸 Super PAC loopholes exposed
🚔 NYPD oversight shake-up
🗳️ Agencies flunk voter registration law
🏛️ Mamdani names top staff
📊 Who showed up at the polls
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
November 14, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The Watchdog never sleeps. After the election, NYC politics is still barking with news:
💸 Super PAC loopholes exposed
🚔 NYPD oversight shake-up
🗳️ Agencies flunk voter registration law
🏛️ Mamdani names top staff
📊 Who showed up at the polls
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
💸 Super PAC loopholes exposed
🚔 NYPD oversight shake-up
🗳️ Agencies flunk voter registration law
🏛️ Mamdani names top staff
📊 Who showed up at the polls
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
The 2025 election cycle may be over — but NYC politics is just getting started.
👔 Who joins Mayor-elect Mamdani’s team?
🚔 Will Tisch stay NYPD Commissioner?
🏛️ Council Speaker race heats up
📊 Even-year elections fall short (for now)
Catch it all in this week’s Watchdog: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
👔 Who joins Mayor-elect Mamdani’s team?
🚔 Will Tisch stay NYPD Commissioner?
🏛️ Council Speaker race heats up
📊 Even-year elections fall short (for now)
Catch it all in this week’s Watchdog: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
November 7, 2025 at 8:11 PM
The 2025 election cycle may be over — but NYC politics is just getting started.
👔 Who joins Mayor-elect Mamdani’s team?
🚔 Will Tisch stay NYPD Commissioner?
🏛️ Council Speaker race heats up
📊 Even-year elections fall short (for now)
Catch it all in this week’s Watchdog: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
👔 Who joins Mayor-elect Mamdani’s team?
🚔 Will Tisch stay NYPD Commissioner?
🏛️ Council Speaker race heats up
📊 Even-year elections fall short (for now)
Catch it all in this week’s Watchdog: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
We’re deeply disappointed that Ballot Proposal 6 did not pass.
This reform would have moved NYC’s local elections to presidential years—when turnout is highest—giving millions more New Yorkers a voice in choosing who governs our city.
Full statement:
This reform would have moved NYC’s local elections to presidential years—when turnout is highest—giving millions more New Yorkers a voice in choosing who governs our city.
Full statement:
November 5, 2025 at 4:02 AM
We’re deeply disappointed that Ballot Proposal 6 did not pass.
This reform would have moved NYC’s local elections to presidential years—when turnout is highest—giving millions more New Yorkers a voice in choosing who governs our city.
Full statement:
This reform would have moved NYC’s local elections to presidential years—when turnout is highest—giving millions more New Yorkers a voice in choosing who governs our city.
Full statement:
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful — it marked Executive Director Grace Rauh's first at the helm of Citizens Union and the first for @johnavlon.bsky.social as Board Chairman.
A night of firsts, and a night to remember.
A night of firsts, and a night to remember.
October 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful — it marked Executive Director Grace Rauh's first at the helm of Citizens Union and the first for @johnavlon.bsky.social as Board Chairman.
A night of firsts, and a night to remember.
A night of firsts, and a night to remember.
Each fall, we honor the New Yorkers whose leadership makes our city stronger: the Gotham Greats.
This year, we were proud to celebrate 4 great New Yorkers: Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls. And we gave journalist Michael Daly our Searchlight award.
This year, we were proud to celebrate 4 great New Yorkers: Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls. And we gave journalist Michael Daly our Searchlight award.
October 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Each fall, we honor the New Yorkers whose leadership makes our city stronger: the Gotham Greats.
This year, we were proud to celebrate 4 great New Yorkers: Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls. And we gave journalist Michael Daly our Searchlight award.
This year, we were proud to celebrate 4 great New Yorkers: Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls. And we gave journalist Michael Daly our Searchlight award.
🚨 NEW: Citizens Union has released “How to Restore Public Trust and Clean City Hall,” a reform blueprint for the next NYC mayor.
The plan lays out clear, actionable steps to root out corruption, rebuild public trust, and restore ethics in city government. 🧵
The plan lays out clear, actionable steps to root out corruption, rebuild public trust, and restore ethics in city government. 🧵
October 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
🚨 NEW: Citizens Union has released “How to Restore Public Trust and Clean City Hall,” a reform blueprint for the next NYC mayor.
The plan lays out clear, actionable steps to root out corruption, rebuild public trust, and restore ethics in city government. 🧵
The plan lays out clear, actionable steps to root out corruption, rebuild public trust, and restore ethics in city government. 🧵
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Kayla Santosuosso (D) for City Council District 47 in Brooklyn.
As Chief Counsel to Council Member Justin Brannan and a small business owner, Santosuosso brings both government know-how and community perspective to the table.
As Chief Counsel to Council Member Justin Brannan and a small business owner, Santosuosso brings both government know-how and community perspective to the table.
October 21, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Kayla Santosuosso (D) for City Council District 47 in Brooklyn.
As Chief Counsel to Council Member Justin Brannan and a small business owner, Santosuosso brings both government know-how and community perspective to the table.
As Chief Counsel to Council Member Justin Brannan and a small business owner, Santosuosso brings both government know-how and community perspective to the table.
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Alicia Vaichunas (R) for City Council District 30 in Queens.
Vaichunas has spent eight years serving the community as Deputy Chief of Staff to Council Member Bob Holden. Her deep local ties and responsiveness to constituents stood out.
Vaichunas has spent eight years serving the community as Deputy Chief of Staff to Council Member Bob Holden. Her deep local ties and responsiveness to constituents stood out.
October 21, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Alicia Vaichunas (R) for City Council District 30 in Queens.
Vaichunas has spent eight years serving the community as Deputy Chief of Staff to Council Member Bob Holden. Her deep local ties and responsiveness to constituents stood out.
Vaichunas has spent eight years serving the community as Deputy Chief of Staff to Council Member Bob Holden. Her deep local ties and responsiveness to constituents stood out.
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Benjamin Chou (D) for City Council District 19 in Queens.
An FDNY veteran and President of the Phoenix Society, Chou has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership.
An FDNY veteran and President of the Phoenix Society, Chou has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership.
October 21, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🗳 Citizens Union endorses Benjamin Chou (D) for City Council District 19 in Queens.
An FDNY veteran and President of the Phoenix Society, Chou has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership.
An FDNY veteran and President of the Phoenix Society, Chou has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership.
Racist chats exposed. 💬
Public funds misused. 💸
A key election ruling upheld. ⚖️
It’s all in this week’s Weekly Watchdog! Stay sharp and read the full roundup: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Public funds misused. 💸
A key election ruling upheld. ⚖️
It’s all in this week’s Weekly Watchdog! Stay sharp and read the full roundup: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
October 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Racist chats exposed. 💬
Public funds misused. 💸
A key election ruling upheld. ⚖️
It’s all in this week’s Weekly Watchdog! Stay sharp and read the full roundup: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Public funds misused. 💸
A key election ruling upheld. ⚖️
It’s all in this week’s Weekly Watchdog! Stay sharp and read the full roundup: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Read our full statement:
October 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Read our full statement:
Other cities have made the switch, and they’re seeing turnout surge up and down the ballot. Baltimore’s turnout transformed after they moved city elections to even years.
You can read our full report on consolidated city elections here: citizensunion.org/wp-content/u...
You can read our full report on consolidated city elections here: citizensunion.org/wp-content/u...
October 15, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Other cities have made the switch, and they’re seeing turnout surge up and down the ballot. Baltimore’s turnout transformed after they moved city elections to even years.
You can read our full report on consolidated city elections here: citizensunion.org/wp-content/u...
You can read our full report on consolidated city elections here: citizensunion.org/wp-content/u...
Good-government news never rests — and neither do we!
This week’s Weekly Watchdog covers:
✅ Even-year elections = more voters
🏛️ Council transparency
👶 5BORO’s Child Care Summit (Oct 16)
🤖 AI disinfo in local races
🌍 Ethics & travel rules
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
This week’s Weekly Watchdog covers:
✅ Even-year elections = more voters
🏛️ Council transparency
👶 5BORO’s Child Care Summit (Oct 16)
🤖 AI disinfo in local races
🌍 Ethics & travel rules
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
October 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Good-government news never rests — and neither do we!
This week’s Weekly Watchdog covers:
✅ Even-year elections = more voters
🏛️ Council transparency
👶 5BORO’s Child Care Summit (Oct 16)
🤖 AI disinfo in local races
🌍 Ethics & travel rules
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
This week’s Weekly Watchdog covers:
✅ Even-year elections = more voters
🏛️ Council transparency
👶 5BORO’s Child Care Summit (Oct 16)
🤖 AI disinfo in local races
🌍 Ethics & travel rules
mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Our advocacy and testimony, along with other good government groups and the public, made an impact: the @NYCCouncil has adopted the rule changes and a more transparent process. But there's still more work to be done.
🔗 Read our full statement: citizensunion.org/portfolio-it...
🔗 Read our full statement: citizensunion.org/portfolio-it...
October 9, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Our advocacy and testimony, along with other good government groups and the public, made an impact: the @NYCCouncil has adopted the rule changes and a more transparent process. But there's still more work to be done.
🔗 Read our full statement: citizensunion.org/portfolio-it...
🔗 Read our full statement: citizensunion.org/portfolio-it...
When the @council.nyc.gov tried to rush through the most significant set of rule changes in more than a decade, we sounded the alarm. Our outcry (and public testimony) worked. The initial vote was delayed and additional updates made in response to our feedback.
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
When the @council.nyc.gov tried to rush through the most significant set of rule changes in more than a decade, we sounded the alarm. Our outcry (and public testimony) worked. The initial vote was delayed and additional updates made in response to our feedback.
And in San Francisco, local legislative races that use Ranked Choice Voting in even years see high turnout and low drop-off. Mayoral turnout more than doubled when it moved to presidential years.
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
And in San Francisco, local legislative races that use Ranked Choice Voting in even years see high turnout and low drop-off. Mayoral turnout more than doubled when it moved to presidential years.
In Los Angeles, turnout to vote for Mayor jumped from 20% in 2017 to 44% turnout in 2022, despite sharing space with state and federal offices. In fact, more people voted for mayor than for top-of-the-ballot governor’s race
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In Los Angeles, turnout to vote for Mayor jumped from 20% in 2017 to 44% turnout in 2022, despite sharing space with state and federal offices. In fact, more people voted for mayor than for top-of-the-ballot governor’s race
In cities that already shifted to even-year elections, turnout for mayoral and other local races surged - even when the contests that moved far down the ballot. Here's Baltimore for example. Last year, a ballot question placed 21st on the ballot received 53% voter turnout
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In cities that already shifted to even-year elections, turnout for mayoral and other local races surged - even when the contests that moved far down the ballot. Here's Baltimore for example. Last year, a ballot question placed 21st on the ballot received 53% voter turnout
Instead of being “drowned out,” down-ballot Assembly races currently held in presidential election years benefit from a rise in public interest in politics and see double the turnout as City Council races in odd years, despite similar ballot placement and less competitive races
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Instead of being “drowned out,” down-ballot Assembly races currently held in presidential election years benefit from a rise in public interest in politics and see double the turnout as City Council races in odd years, despite similar ballot placement and less competitive races
NEW report: Explores if shifting NYC elections to even years will overwhelm voters & boost drop-off. But data shows down-ballot turnout is higher when local races share the ballot with federal ones—like 2024, when ballot props got 2× more votes than the mayor’s race
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
NEW report: Explores if shifting NYC elections to even years will overwhelm voters & boost drop-off. But data shows down-ballot turnout is higher when local races share the ballot with federal ones—like 2024, when ballot props got 2× more votes than the mayor’s race
NYC politics is heating up this week:
🗳Adams drops out
🗣Speaker hopefuls $$$ splash
🤯Ballot measure could reshape elections
🚔Power struggles from NYPD to community boards
Don’t miss it 👀 — check out this week’s Weekly Watchdog here mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
🗳Adams drops out
🗣Speaker hopefuls $$$ splash
🤯Ballot measure could reshape elections
🚔Power struggles from NYPD to community boards
Don’t miss it 👀 — check out this week’s Weekly Watchdog here mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
October 3, 2025 at 8:08 PM
NYC politics is heating up this week:
🗳Adams drops out
🗣Speaker hopefuls $$$ splash
🤯Ballot measure could reshape elections
🚔Power struggles from NYPD to community boards
Don’t miss it 👀 — check out this week’s Weekly Watchdog here mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
🗳Adams drops out
🗣Speaker hopefuls $$$ splash
🤯Ballot measure could reshape elections
🚔Power struggles from NYPD to community boards
Don’t miss it 👀 — check out this week’s Weekly Watchdog here mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Our September edition of the Reformer is here!
Read all the latest updates — from Gotham Greats, to our stances on ballot proposals, to our advocacy efforts for reform: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Read all the latest updates — from Gotham Greats, to our stances on ballot proposals, to our advocacy efforts for reform: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
September 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Our September edition of the Reformer is here!
Read all the latest updates — from Gotham Greats, to our stances on ballot proposals, to our advocacy efforts for reform: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Read all the latest updates — from Gotham Greats, to our stances on ballot proposals, to our advocacy efforts for reform: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
Our Policy Director testified today at the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government annual hearing on strengthening NY ethics laws. We urged commissioners to back limits on lobbyist donations & fundraising — and other reforms — to protect integrity in government.
September 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Our Policy Director testified today at the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government annual hearing on strengthening NY ethics laws. We urged commissioners to back limits on lobbyist donations & fundraising — and other reforms — to protect integrity in government.