The Citizens Budget Commission is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization devoted to influencing constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government.

CBC was founded in 1932, a time of great fiscal crisis, when a group of distinguished civic leaders decided to start a research organization that would analyze the City's finances, evaluate the management of City government, report on these matters to its members, and recommend improvements to municipal officials. In 1984 CBC expanded this analysis to the fiscal affairs of State government.

CBC's pursuit of its mission is embodied in four interrelated roles:

CBC is a watchdog. The Commission's scrutiny of the efficiency and fiscal standing of government provides a continuous and reliable presence.

"The CBC...is an utterly respectable budget watchdog funded by utterly respectable business people. The commission does its best, in its respectable way, to goad and cajole public officials into doing the right thing, fiscally speaking." The New York Observer

CBC is a research organization. The most pressing issues facing the City and State are subjected to in-depth study, the results of which are assembled into published reports that include recommendations for improved performance.

"CBC...has credibility as an independent analyst of city and state finances. While its 138 trustees...are drawn from the business community, CBC is less a defender of specific business interests than an advocate for lower taxes, balanced budgets and long-term investment in the city's capital needs." Crain's New York Business

CBC is a monitor of implementation. Recommending solutions to problems is not sufficient by itself. The Commission follows up on its suggestions by tracking public officials' progress-or lack thereof-toward implementing change.

"Of all the folks in New York who have taken it upon themselves to second-guess city government, the members of the Citizens Budget Commission do it best. The CBC is dedicated to helping City Hall live within its means-a thankless task of late-and its commentary on fiscal matters is generally right on the money." New York Post

CBC is a disseminator of information. Shedding light on the problems of City and State government requires getting the word out. CBC functions as a resource for nonpartisan information on the City and State budgets and the delivery of services to New Yorkers. The Commission is a ready reference for the news media, other civic groups, the concerned public, and public officials.

"The Commission's biggest priority is restoring people's confidence in the integrity and competence of New York City government. Its claim to fame is maintaining a historical record as a civic organization that calls the shots as it sees them." New York Newsday