Five Cities. One New York.

Stronger together. Separate apart.

A puzzle not a picture

Our Mission

Five Cities One New York exists to raise awareness around the potential of a deconsolidated New York City — a vision rooted in the belief that empowered local voices create stronger, safer, and more responsive communities.

Formed in the spirit of civic curiosity, our mission is to examine whether the framework established by the 1898 Consolidation of Greater New York continues to best serve the people of the five boroughs in today’s era. We don’t claim to have the answers — only that the question deserves thoughtful, good-faith conversation.

Our work begins and ends within the American civic tradition — grounded in the Constitution, respectful of state authority, and devoted to the strength of the Union. We believe that local governance, exercised responsibly within that framework, can unlock new opportunities for prosperity, safety, and accountability.

For the people, of the boroughs, by the boroughs.

Keys to the Cities

Every year, Five Cities One New York recognizes an individual (or individuals) who embody the spirit of municipal independence, civic imagination, and borough-based pride.

The Keys to the Cities Award celebrates those who have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their communities — not through division, but through dialogue, curiosity, and action.

Recipients are honored with a symbolic keyring containing five keys — one for each of New York’s potential cities. Together, they represent the belief that true unity begins with local voices.

Nominations are open year-round. There are no specific qualifications, credentials, or categories. If someone has inspired you to think differently about your neighborhood, your borough, or your city, they’re eligible.

Submissions may be made through our nonexistent nomination form — coming soon.

The award has not yet been presented. But when it is, we’ll know.

🗽 Frequently Asked Questions

No. Five Cities One New York has never, and will never, accept donations. The best way to support our mission is by sharing the message and starting the conversation.
No. Five Cities One New York maintains no affiliation with any registered political party or organization. Our mission is not political — it’s civic.
We don’t know. Our goal is not to prescribe a plan, but to raise awareness and explore whether deconsolidation could better serve the people of New York.
We prefer the term civic conversation. If someone asks, “Is this serious?” the best response is, “It might be.”
Because if New York can figure out municipal independence, any city can. Our goal is to explore what happens when local communities have the power to make decisions that reflect their needs, values, and priorities.
No. Five Cities One New York does not endorse any deconsolidation model, map, or governance structure. Our role is to invite research, dialogue, and creative thinking around what a more locally empowered New York could look like.
Absolutely not. We love New York. That’s why we want to make sure every part of it has a chance to thrive — independently, yet together.