Who We Are · NYC Common Sense

Demanding Common Sense From City Hall A nonprofit grassroots coalition holding New York City government accountable.

Our Story

Common Sense
Is Uncommon
At City Hall

NYC Common Sense is a nonprofit grassroots coalition focused on making sure the City government is delivering on behalf of ALL New Yorkers.

Everyone deserves safer streets, affordable housing, jobs, and the opportunity to thrive. That requires accountable leadership and transparency — making promises and keeping them.

We champion effectiveness and accountability over ideology and identity politics. We serve as an independent watchdog, using all tools at our disposal to hold city leaders accountable. Because common sense is all too uncommon at City Hall.

Independent
No party affiliation, no ideological agenda — just results for New Yorkers.
Effective
We champion what works, using data and evidence to drive real solutions.
Transparent
Open government is non-negotiable — we hold leaders to that standard.
Grassroots
Powered by everyday New Yorkers who demand better from City Hall.
What We Fight For

Our Issues

01
Public Safety
Keeping people safe is city government’s primary responsibility. All New Yorkers require safe, streets, parks, transit systems, and public spaces. They deserve to feel comfortable no matter who or where they are – in houses of worship, on the subway, in school, on our streets and parks, at home, and at work. This requires well-supported, […]
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02
Jobs and the Economy
The city economy needs common sense solutions to support growth, generate good-paying and family sustaining jobs, and ensure a climate where small businesses can thrive. A thriving private sector creates jobs and generates revenue to fund city programs and services. Anti-business rhetoric and taxes will discourage private sector investment, resulting in fewer opportunities and a […]
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03
Housing
Fixing the affordable housing crisis requires an all-of-the-above housing policy that works for all New Yorkers – renters, homeowners, landlords, and developers. Demonizing landlords isn’t the answer. Freezing the rent for a select small percentage of renters will drive rents up for everyone else, disincentivize private investment, and cause already underwater building owners to walk […]
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04
Transparency and Anti-Corruption
An effective government is open, accessible, and transparent to all – including members of the media, the public, and yes, even critics and opponents. NYC Common Sense champions open government, public records compliance, conflict-of-interest rules, and robust oversight
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We Champion Effectiveness and Accountability Over Ideology "Because common sense is all too uncommon at City Hall."
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Join the Fight
Our Leadership

Led by Jim Walden

A nationally recognized trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor, Jim Walden has spent his career holding powerful institutions accountable. As Chairman of NYC Common Sense, he brings that same tenacity to making City Hall work for every New Yorker.

Meet the Chairman
$250M
Secured for NYCHA Residents
100+
Organized Crime Convictions
20+
Years Holding Power Accountable
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