The challenge
Mount Vernon, New York is a city of 75,000 in Westchester County with a long history of problems around government transparency, fiscal accountability, and civic trust. After years of serving on commissions, leading a neighborhood association, and organizing candidate forums, I saw a gap: no dedicated, independent organization existed to hold local government accountable on an ongoing basis. So I decided to build one.
What I did
Organizational Formation: I led every aspect of launching the Mount Vernon Civic Integrity Project. That meant drafting bylaws, establishing the governance framework, incorporating the organization as a New York not-for-profit corporation, filing for 501(c)(3) status, and building the legal and operational foundations for long-term sustainability.
Strategic Planning: I developed a three-year strategic plan covering four pillars: fundraising, communications, governance structure, and organizational sustainability. The plan maps a path from volunteer-driven startup to sustainable advocacy operation with diversified funding.
Board Recruitment: I recruited and onboarded a founding board with expertise spanning legal, fundraising, editorial, and multimedia, giving the organization the advisory depth to navigate complex accountability work.
Communications and Digital Infrastructure: I built out the organization’s website and digital presence, created editorial workflows, established SEO foundations, and designed a newsletter program to grow the subscriber base. I wrote and/or edited primary public-facing content.
Results
- Nonprofit incorporated and operational; 501(c)(3) status pending
- Three-year strategic plan completed and in execution
- Founding board recruited across legal, editorial, fundraising, and multimedia expertise
- Website, newsletter, and editorial workflow established and active
- Growing subscriber base engaging with government accountability content
Context: A decade of civic leadership
The Civic Integrity Project builds on ten years of direct civic engagement in Mount Vernon:
- President, Oakwood Heights Neighborhood Association (2017-2024): Built the organization into one of the city’s most active civic groups. Created a COVID-19 emergency safety network for vulnerable residents. Organized community forums on urban planning and transparency.
- Charter Revision Commission (2018-2020): Drafted public policy proposals on fiscal transparency and governance reform. All ballot proposals passed with 95% voter support in 2020.
- Police Reform Commission (2020-2021): Authored the transparency chapter of Mount Vernon’s Police Reform Plan under Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203, covering data collection, public reporting, and community engagement.
- Cable Television Advisory Committee (2021-2022): Vice Chairman. Provided guidance on allocating $1.2 million in annual cable franchise fees and PEG grants.
- Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (2022-Present): Contributing to long-term urban planning policies covering sustainability, social equity, and equitable development.
- Election Forum Organizer (2018-2022): Organized and hosted candidate forums for mayoral, city council, comptroller, and school board races.