Demanding Common Sense From City Hall A nonprofit grassroots coalition holding New York City government accountable.
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.
Our Issues
Public Safety
Keeping people safe is city government's primary responsibility. All New Yorkers require safe streets, parks, transit systems, and public spaces — and the well-supported, well-trained first responders to make that a reality.
Jobs & Economy
The city needs commonsense, data-driven decisions that support local employers, entrepreneurship, and workforce development — creating good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for every New Yorker.
Housing
Fixing the affordable housing crisis requires an all-of-the-above policy that works for all New Yorkers — renters, homeowners, landlords, and developers — without pitting communities against each other.
Transparency & Anti-Corruption
An effective government is open, accessible, and transparent to all. NYC Common Sense champions public records compliance, conflict-of-interest rules, and robust independent oversight.
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