The essence of government policy is manifested in various forms: legislative action, executive execution, and, in certain instances, judicial direction.
But where do decision-makers cultivate the ideas that pave the way for such policies?
In many instances, these ideas blossom from the experiences of the decision-makers themselves or through innovative suggestions from their staff.
However, external pressures, especially from business interests or advocacy groups advocating for government intervention, play a significant role as well.
These entities, often referred to as special interests or advocates—as their perceptions vary widely—can be influential in shaping public policy.
A prominent source for policy ideas is organizations established for the specific purpose of advancing public interests, which are commonly known as think tanks.
Recent news highlights the merger of two such organizations in New York City—the 5Boro Institute and the Citizens Union—emphasizing a notable evolution in local public intellectual organizations.
The Citizens Union, one of the city’s oldest civic organizations, was established in 1897 by notable figures including J. Pierrepont Mongan and Charles Schurz, a former newspaper editor after whom a park near Gracie Mansion is named.
Much like the statue of publisher Horace Greeley located in City Hall Park, the impact of these historical figures on contemporary civic leaders remains uncertain.
The Citizens Union emerged during the ‘good government’ movement—a response to the corrupt power of Tammany Hall, which dominated Manhattan’s Democratic Party amidst numerous investigation scandals and convictions.
Over the decades, Citizens Union has been a predecessor to various reform organizations throughout the city’s evolution, with its candidate endorsements regarded as a mark of ethical behavior endorsement.
Founded during the early days of Mayor Eric Adams’s administration in 2022, the 5Boro Institute was created by the late former Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch and publisher Tom Allon.
Its mission was to offer intellectual support to the new mayor, analogous to how the Manhattan Institute aided Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the 1990s, particularly providing conceptual support for initiatives like government service privatization and welfare reform.
5Boro’s name reflects a broader, more inclusive vision appropriate for Mayor Adams.
Initially, the organization hosted forums with city leadership, gradually refining its focus to governance and specific challenges such as childcare, housing, climate, and mental health.
Despite their recognition and respect for policy expertise, both organizations faced distinct challenges.
Interestingly, Citizens Union became somewhat of a victim of its own achievements.
The electoral and ethical reforms it championed were propelled by the corruption scandals surrounding Mayor Edward Koch’s administration in the late 1980s.
Ironically, these reforms followed Koch’s political rise as a reformist who had helped dismantle Tammany Hall’s final significant leader, Carmine DeSapio.
The reforms, including public financing for municipal election campaigns, effectively weakened political organizations that depended on patronage, rendering candidates less reliant on traditional political volunteers.
Additionally, the subsequent prosecution of many political figures by U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani contributed to his election as mayor.
Giuliani’s eight years were succeeded by twelve years of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, often deemed ‘too rich to bribe.’
Though each had their respective scandals, the perceived integrity of their personal characters resulted in a prolonged period where political reform was not at the forefront of public discussion.
However, the topic regained attention during the tenures of Mayors de Blasio and Adams, enabling Citizens Union to recover some of its former influence, especially under the guidance of former Parks Commissioner and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.
Yet, in February of this year, Ms. Gotbaum announced her retirement.
Coinciding with this transition was the resignation of former Giuliani Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro from his role as board chair, who returned to City Hall in a deputy mayor position under the Adams administration.
This merger unfolds as a strategic response to the challenges both organizations have navigated.
5Boro Institute will continue its mission within Citizens Union, bringing along its innovative policy initiatives, led by the tech-savvy former chair Raj Goyle.
In light of Ms. Gotbaum’s departure, 5Boro’s executive director Grace Rauh, a respected former political journalist for NY1, will step in to fill the leadership vacuum.
Rauh’s addition balances with the Citizens Union’s new chair, John Avalon, a seasoned journalist in both broadcast and print, reinforcing the organization’s capability to effectively advocate for critical issues.
Emerging from a historical backdrop where figures like JP Morgan could shift public sentiment merely by hosting influential gatherings, Citizens Union now aims to adapt to modern communication landscapes.
The union’s focus is not only on voicing important matters but ensuring that these voices are amplified and resonate within public policy.
As the landscape of advocacy and policy evolves, the merger of 5Boro Institute and Citizens Union represents a pivotal moment—merging resources, expertise, and vision to address the pressing challenges facing New York City today.
image source from：https://www.amny.com/law/op-ed-thinking-about-think-tanks-and-new-york-city-politics/
