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Committee of Seventy focuses on a variety of issues affecting voters in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Browse the issues we're currently working on, or review our archive for ongoing and past issues.
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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.
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For over one hundred years, the Committee of Seventy has been the voice of good government and reform. For press inquiries, please contact us at 617-785-6991.
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Press & Testimony

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New Reform Legislation Would Add Transparency, Public Input to Opaque Redistricting Process

Councilmember Derek Green today introduced his second package of reform legislation this year, this time proposing a special commission to gather public input for redrawing Philadelphia’s 10 City Council districts.

Councilmember’s Trial Highlights the Need for Reforms to Ethics Rules and Council Prerogative

The public will have to wait for a final outcome in Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson's trial. In the meantime, there is work to be done to bolster Philadelphians’ trust in City Hall.

Priorities for Safe and Secure 2022 Elections

Unprecedented collaboration among various stakeholders and an extraordinary increase in resources were necessary to make the 2020 elections successful. The City Commissioners and their staff will need the support of city and state officials, civic and community leaders, and businesses throughout Philadelphia again this year to ensure safe, secure, and accessible elections.

C70 Testimony on Philadelphia City Council Redistricting - Bill No. 220003

C70 Policy Director Patrick Christmas provides testimony regarding City Council's proposed map.

C70 Letter to the PA House of Representatives Opposing HB38

To those who value our system of checks and balances, House Bill 38 contemplates a fundamentally different relationship between the legislative and judicial branches wherein the former has unequal power over the latter. Such a change would irreparably and severely impair the governance of the Commonwealth, and would harm the independence and impartiality of our court system. C70 urges the PA House to not advance this proposed constitutional amendment and allow HB 38 to lapse at the end of this session.

Press Coverage of People Over Politics Movement

On Monday, November 29th, the Committee of Seventy joined a number of elected officials and good government groups including the League of Women Voters and Common Cause, in calling for reforms to combat corruption in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt to Serve as President & CEO of Committee of Seventy

Today, the Committee of Seventy’s Board of Directors announced that Al Schmidt has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania’s long standing nonpartisan advocate for better government.

Statement on the Conviction of Councilmember Bobby Henon and Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty

The conviction of Councilmember Bobby Henon and Local 98 business manager John Dougherty marks a historic break from business as usual in Philadelphia politics.

Philadelphia City Council Redistricting Roadmap for an Open, Accessible and Inclusive Process

Philadelphia took a significant step forward in the 2011 redistricting cycle when several of the most gerrymandered districts in the country were finally addressed. This was due, in no small part, to substantial advocacy both in the communities negatively affected and by champions within City Hall of a more fair map that strove for equitable representation.

David Thornburgh's Testimony to the PA State Government Committee

C70 CEO and Chair of the Draw the Lines PA initiative, David Thornburgh, testified on October 20, 2021 before the PA State Government Committee about congressional redistricting.