Grassroots Watchdog Coalition

Working for a Safe, Affordable City for All

NYC Common Sense is a nonprofit coalition fighting for safer streets, affordable housing, and real jobs — championing effectiveness and accountability over ideology and identity politics.

Our Mission
8M+
New Yorkers who deserve accountable government
Our Approach
100%
Independent — no party, no ideology
Our Commitment
#1
Priority: making promises and keeping them
Active Watchdog · New York City · 2026
About Us

Common Sense
Is Uncommon
At City Hall

NYC Common Sense is a nonprofit grassroots coalition focused on making sure 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 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 Over Ideology "Because every New Yorker deserves a government that actually works."
Get Involved Today
Join the Fight
Press & Coverage

In The News

Press Release
NEW WATCHDOG GROUP LAUNCHES TO KEEP CITY HALL HONEST

New Non-Partisan Organization Chaired by 2025 Mayoral Candidate and Veteran Attorney Jim Walden Will Champion a Safe, Affordable City for All NEW YORK, NY — NYC Common Sense today launched as an independent, non-partisan watchdog organization dedicated to ensuring New Yorkers have the information they need to evaluate City Hall’s initiatives and championing data-driven policies […]

May 13, 2026
Taking Action

Legal Action

NYC Common Sense uses every tool at our disposal — including litigation — to hold city government accountable. When leaders overstep their authority or ignore the law, we pursue legal remedies to protect New Yorkers' rights.

Coming Soon

FOIL requests and litigation details will appear here as our efforts progress.

Coming Soon

Active legal challenges to City Hall overreach will be listed here.

Coming Soon

Case updates and outcomes will be published as actions are filed.

Make Your Voice Heard

Join NYC
Common Sense

Be the change City Hall needs.

We need your help to ensure New York City runs on common sense. Your voice matters in holding City Hall accountable.

No spam, ever. Just updates on our work holding City Hall accountable.

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