The Onondaga Citizens League (OCL) is designed to promote citizen education and involvement in public affairs.

OCL was organized in 1978 by a group of interested and concerned citizens. An independent and nonpartisan organization, it was incorporated in 1980 and received non-profit, tax exempt status in 1981. It is governed by a board of directors, which is elected by the members.

Its members discuss and propose solutions to issues facing Central New York. OCL then generates reports offering specific recommendations for resolving the studied problem. The league does not promote specific legislation nor function as a lobbying group.