LinkedInBlueskyFacebookTwitter

Looking back: 1987

CU helps defeat weak ethics bill and backs a stronger Conflict of Interest Board.

October 24, 2025

Anti-corruption & Accountability Agenda for the Next Mayor

Looking back: 2010

Seminal report on needed NYC Charter revisions to increase public participation

October 9, 2025

Statement on Approved Revision to City Council Rules

Looking back: 1959

CU leads effort that results in Robert Moses' resignation from city posts.

April 9, 2025

New Policy: How to Remove the NYC Mayor for Misconduct?

Looking back: 2007

CU wins pay-to-play reform in NYC’s campaign finance system.

September 25, 2025

Proposals for State Ethics Commission: Lobbying & Donations

Looking back: 2001

CUF launches first poll worker recruitment program

September 8, 2025

Groups to NYC BOE: Put the Questions on the Ballot

Citizens Union fights for reform in New York. We work to ensure honest and accountable government, fair and open elections, and a civically engaged public.

The Year That Was: Citizens Union in Action

Gotham Greats 2025: Chairman John Avlon's Remarks

Loretta Lynch: The Price of Freedom is Constant Vigilance

Governor Kathy Hochul: For Open Government and Accountability

CU Candidate Interviews: Brad Lander

CU Candidate Interviews: Andrew Cuomo

From City Hall to the ballot box: how we’ve shaped the rules that shape New York.

Illustration of a hand pointing

1897

Citizens Union is founded as a nonpartisan political party to defeat the Tammany Hall machine

1901

Seth Low, Citizens Union's mayoral candidate, is elected Mayor of the City of New York

1908

Citizens Union shifts from political party to nonpartisan good government group to avoid patronage

1910

First Voters Directory published to guide New Yorkers on candidates for elected office

1914

Citizens Union wins reforms requiring voter signature to protect election integrity

1915

Slate voting reversed; Citizens Union enables voters to choose candidates across parties

1923

Home rule for NYC achieved, giving local power thanks to Citizens Union’s advocacy

1924

Citizens Union leads successful fight against subway development through Central Park

1933

Fiorello LaGuardia, endorsed by CU, is elected Mayor to reform and fight Tammany control

1936

Citizens Union helps secure proportional representation for City Council elections

See more Citizens Union history here.

Visit Citizens Union's Library for more on government reform and civic engagement.