For more than a century, Citizens Union has served as a watchdog for the public interest and an advocate for transparent, effective, and efficient governance that is open and accountable to the citizens of New York. We continue to advocate for strong policies and institutions to accomplish these goals, including an effective system of pursuing ethics and lobbying violations, and greater transparency during the budget process and in the operations of city government including agencies, public authorities and other entities.
- April 6, 2016 — Testimony to the NYC Council Governmental Operations Committee on the Structure and Content of the Mayor’s Management Report. Additional information — PMMR 2016-2017 Indicators and Targets Data
- May 19, 2015 — Testimony to the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC) on Implementation of the Webcasting Law. The complete list of complying and noncomplying city entities can be downloaded here.
- April 30, 2015 — Testimony to the City Council Government Operations Committee on Proposed Community Board Reform
- December 18, 2014 — Testimony to the Commission on Public Information and Communications
- December 15, 2014 — Testimony to the NYC Council Contracts, Oversight & Investigations and Technology Committees
- December 10, 2014 — Testimony to City Council on Improving the Mayor’s Management Report
- March 3, 2014 — Testimony on Best Practices for Community Board Recruitment and Appointment
- February 24, 2014 — Testimony to City Council on Webcasting Law Implementation and Community Board Webcasting (accompanying spreadsheet of agencies that have public meetings)
- December 2, 2013 — CU Hails Passage of Webcasting Legislation
- November 20, 2013 — Transparency Working Group Report on Progress and Challenges of NYC Open Data Law
- November 20, 2013 — CU Champions Lobbying Reforms
- November 7, 2013 — CU Champions Lobbying Reforms (see also CU Testimony on Lobbying Reforms)
- February 2, 2013 — Statement Commending Districting Commission for Release of Written Rationales for Drawing of Council Districts
- January 10, 2013 — CU News Release on Recommendations for Districting Commission regarding Transparency
- January 10, 2013 — Letter to the Districting Commission Regarding December 4th Revised Districts and Need for Transparency
- December 3, 2013 — CU Statement Urging Districting Commission to Rescind Proposed Maps
- October 4, 2012 — Testimony to the Districting Commission Regarding Preliminary Districts
- August 13, 2012 — Testimony to the City Districting Commission on Public Participation and Criteria for Drawing Council Districts
- May 11, 2012 — Testimony to the Reports and Advisory Board Review Commission Re: Elimination of Reports
- April 16, 2012 — Testimony to the City Council Regarding Whistleblower Protection and False Claims Act
- April 13, 2012 — Letter to the Reports and Advisory Board Review Commission Re: Transparency
- May 11, 2011 — Recommendation to the 2011 City Lobbying Commission
- March 30, 2011 — Testimony to the City Lobbying Commission on Dual Reporting to the State and City
- June 21, 2010 — Testimony to the City Council Committees on Technology in Government on Int. No. 29–create open data standards
- June 29, 2009 — Testimony to the City Council Committee on Technology in Government on Int. No. 991–creates open data standards
- April 28, 2009 — Testimony to the City Council Committee on Governmental Operations on Int. No. 952–requires City Record to be published online and free of charge
- February 27, 2009 — Testimony to the City Council Committee on Technology in Government on Compliance with Local Law 11 of 2003
- December 11, 2008 — Testimony on Financial Disclosure for Local Public Authorities
- October 29, 2008 — Testimony to the City Council Committee on Technology in Government on Webcasting of Public Meetings and Hearings
- December 5, 2007 — Testimony on Elected Officials Compensation
- February 26, 2007 — Testimony to the City Council Governmental Operations Committee on Lobbyist’s Registration
- January 24, 2007 — Statement on City Budget Reform Agreement
- March 2006 — Amicus Brief in support of the Class Size Coalition regarding the right of citizens to petition their government
Further Resources and Websites of Interest:
- New York City Local Law 11 — sought to increase transparency by requiring all city agency publications and reports required to be published, issued, or transmitted to the Mayor and City Council to be posted on the Records website