About Us - Committee of Seventy

Better government that citizens can trust.

The Committee of Seventy was established in 1904 to combat corruption in Philadelphia, playing a major role in the adoption of civil service reforms and the passage of the 1919 and 1951 Home Rule Charters. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Seventy does not endorse candidates or represent any special interests.

Over its history, Seventy has radically transformed from being just an election watchdog to a bolder and more comprehensive good government group. The investment in new executive and Board leadership has helped bolster the City’s only independent good government organization and allowed us to permanently change Philadelphia’s political culture.

During 2005-2010, Seventy led the fight to defend campaign financing limits, a fight that went all the way to the Supreme Court thanks to a lawsuit initiated by Seventy. Our war against pay-to-play politics in Philadelphia helped to turn the ideas of better government and fair elections into a movement. Amidst a global pandemic in 2020, Seventy played an integral role in the successful administration of the presidential election through information campaigns and supporting local election officials.

For more than a century, Seventy has served as a trusted, nonpartisan resource — helping Pennsylvanians understand how government works and how to participate effectively. In a moment marked by polarization, eroding trust, and declining participation, rebuilding civic life is urgent work.

Two women talk at an outdoor event booth. One holds a phone up to the other. A blue banner in the background reads Delivering Democracy and Use Your Voice. Bottled water and snacks are on the table.

An elderly woman using a walker passes by a table with two people seated in front of a sign that reads I VOTE BECAUSE, with handwritten messages covering the rest of the sign.

Three men smile for a photo together outdoors. The man in the center wears a suit and yellow tie, while the other two wear casual clothing. One man gives two thumbs up. Red background with white text visible behind them.

Two women sit in chairs smiling and talking in front of a Delivering Democracy banner. A bouquet of flowers sits between them. The setting appears to be a professional panel or discussion event. — Lessons in Leadership

Seventy continues to drive toward its founding objectives from 1904:

Open up and improve the voting process and our political culture.
Elect honest, capable people to public office and help them make government work better.
Engage citizens in the process of making important decisions about our future.

Our vision is better government citizens can trust.

Mission

The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan civic leadership organization that advances representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania through citizen engagement and public policy advocacy.

Vision

We envision our City and Commonwealth with a vibrant local democracy and trustworthy government.

2024 Impact Report

Learn more about how Seventy charted the path to a stronger PA through our impact report.

View the Report

Values

Integrity

We believe government must always prioritize the public’s interests over personal interests. Strong institutions with safeguards against corruption, fraud and abuse of power are necessary. However, the character and judgment of those who serve in government are no less important. Transparency, as well as a free and independent media, is essential to maintain the public trust, because it guarantees government is held accountable.

How We Do It

The Committee of Seventy gives voice to higher expectations for the behavior and performance of public officials, and for how government should operate. We serve as an outspoken critic and work with local journalists to inform the public and hold government accountable. We seek stronger ethics, campaign finance, transparency, and lobbying laws in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, as well as the means to ensure those laws are enforced.

Representation

We believe government should be representative of and responsive to the people. Free, fair, safe and secure elections create a strong representative government. Achieving this means that all eligible voters can cast ballots in secure and well-run elections, voters are well informed about the candidates and the issues, political boundaries are drawn without manipulation to advantage one group over another, and well-funded special interests are unable to overpower the public interest.

How We Do It

The Committee of Seventy runs a wide range of programs and initiatives to strengthen our local democracy. We work tirelessly to inform citizens, cultivate a culture of civic participation, and foster dialogue to spur more open and vigorous politics. Through projects like Draw the Lines, WeVote, 20 by Seventy, and our online Voter Guide and Digital Ballot Tool, we aim to put the resources needed to maintain accountable and responsive government in the hands of voters. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Election Ambassador Corps prepare the next generation of citizens to assume their responsibility as stewards of local democracy.

Effective Governance

We believe government is most effective when it functions as an efficient, modern and responsible public resource. The Committee of Seventy believes that to be good stewards of citizen resources, government should be both effective and efficient. Government, we believe, owes it to citizens to get the right things done well. This requires identifying and implementing best practices and reforms that improve government operations and that leverage data to drive results and ensure transparency.

How We Do It

The Committee of Seventy works to identify solutions and promising practices that promote more effective and efficient governance. We share these practices with elected officials, encourage public debate around evidence-based policies and advocate for reform. From antiquated agencies to 21st-century open data initiatives, we look for opportunities to remove inefficiencies, enhance customer service and improve performance. Working with public officials, civic leaders and partner organizations, we seek higher standards for how government should operate.

More about C70

Our History

We were established in 1904 to combat corruption in Philadelphia, playing a major role in the adoption of civil service reforms. Learn more about our 120+ year journey.

Our Supporters

Thank you to our passionate and principled Board of Directors and to the generosity of the many foundations, corporations and individuals throughout the region who help us keep the lights on and the fight ignited!

Our Impact

Explore our legacy of political progress: helping Pennsylvanians vote, strengthening our democracy, and celebrating the power we all have to make a change.

Staff & Board

Meet the people who make the Committee of Seventy run and the board that support this work.

Buchholz Fellows

Learn more about our program that develops the next generation of community leaders.

Become a Member

When you join as a member, you’re joining a vital part of the movement to strengthen democracy and powering our mission to create a government that citizens can trust.

Join our Member Network

Enjoy Members-Only events where you can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and stay up-to-date on our latest initiatives with a passionate community of like-minded individuals.

Gain Exclusive Access

Members gain invitations to exclusive C70 events, including policy briefings with experts and intimate discussions with government leaders.

Receive Discounts

Enjoy a 10% discount on C70 Merch, as well as 10% off tickets to our signature annual events, including Women in Public Leadership and our Anniversary event.

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