Citizens Union Names Grace Rauh as New Executive Director
The 5BORO Institute to Join Citizens Union as New Public Policy Program
Citizens Union and the Citizens Union Foundation Chairman John Avlon announced that Grace Rauh has been named the organization’s new Executive Director. Rauh, an award-winning journalist, is the founding Executive Director of the 5BORO Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit public policy think tank. A former NY1 political reporter and longtime civic advocate, she brings a unique blend of journalistic integrity and policy acumen to New York’s oldest good government organization. Rauh succeeds Betsy Gotbaum, former New York City Public Advocate, who served as Executive Director for seven years.
“I am honored to lead Citizens Union at this pivotal moment for our democracy – not only nationally, but here in New York,” said Grace Rauh, incoming Executive Director of Citizens Union. “Throughout my career as a journalist, I worked to hold public officials accountable and shine a light on government decision-making. I’m eager to carry that same commitment to transparency, ethics, and civic engagement into this new role. By bringing the 5BORO Institute to New York’s oldest good government group, we’re building a stronger, more powerful nonpartisan force for accountable and effective government.”
Candidate Preferences for the 2025 Primary Election
Our Support for Citywide, Boroughwide, and City Council Candidates Drops on May 28
Not sure who to vote for in this year’s City election? Our century-old annual voters guide is getting a digital facelift to help you decide what candidates deserve your vote at the ballot box in June. While national and local media have discontinued offering endorsements in elections, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing voters with the clear, nonpartisan information they need to make informed decisions. Sign up to hear our picks first, and check back to see how you can help us create an honest and accountable government, regardless of who the next Mayor is.
Crucial Period for New York Democracy
We’re not resting - even if our website is. Here’s what else is cooking at CU.
The Charter Revision Commission is considering two of our proposals for improving participation in NYC’s elections, including open primaries and even year elections.
Our proposal to establish a local mechanism to remove a mayor over misconduct is getting attention.
Attorney General Letitia James at our most recent Civic Convention: “This is a moral moment for all of us to defend democracy”