New York City’s Campaign Finance Program, established in 1988, helps people run for the offices of Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council member without relying on large contributions, and gives matching funds to serious candidates to help them run competitive campaigns. The voluntary Program is administered by the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent, nonpartisan City agency that produced this Voter Guide.

When candidates join the Program, they agree to campaign contribution and spending limits. In return, these candidates can qualify to receive public funds that match contributions from NYC residents at a rate of $4 to every $1 for contributions of up to $250. The Program’s contribution limits prevent participants from running campaigns with large amounts of money from just a few wealthy people or groups. The Program’s spending limits help ensure that candidates who are wealthy, or who have the support of wealthy people or groups, do not have an unfair advantage.

Program participants file detailed information with the Board about their contributors and how campaign money is spent. The Board computerizes this information, so it is easy for the public and the press to find out the details of candidates’ campaign finances. This information is available (and searchable) on this Web site, and on a public computer terminal at the CFB’s offices. Program participants are audited by the CFB to make sure that they are observing the contribution and spending limits and other requirements.

If you are interested in running for City office, or in learning more about how the Campaign Finance Program is helping to make local elections in New York more open and democratic, please write to:

New York City Campaign Finance Board
40 Rector Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10006
For more information about the Campaign Finance Program, please call (212) 306-7100 or send e-mail to info@nyccfb.info