We recognize that wealth was made possible not solely through personal ingenuity, but through the investments, infrastructure, institutions, and sacrifices of a democratic society.
We further acknowledge that the current scale of wealth inequality poses a systemic risk to social cohesion, democratic governance, and the promise of equal opportunity for future generations.
We therefore enter into this Accord not in shame, but in responsibility — and in hope.
Article I: Recognition of Civic Responsibility
We affirm the following truths:
That extreme wealth, when held by a small number of citizens, must be matched by extreme responsibility.
That democracy cannot flourish when economic power is concentrated beyond the reach of democratic accountability.
That voluntary leadership by those who hold great wealth can preempt coercive or destabilizing alternatives.
Article II: Commitments
As signatories to this Accord, we seek the following actions:
1. Voluntary Civic Contribution
A pledge by Billionaires to contribute a minimum of 10–20% of their net personal wealth over the next 10 years to a combination of the following:
Programs governed by the Civic Wealth Impact Agency (CWIA);
Direct public investment in education, housing, healthcare, and climate adaptation;
Impact initiatives transparently tracked through public dashboards.
2. Support for Structural Tax Reform
A pledge by Billionaires to publicly and financially support legislation that:
Establishes a progressive wealth tax on ultra-high-net-worth individuals;
Closes loopholes in capital gains, inheritance, and offshore shelters;
Creates long-term, automatic redistribution mechanisms through democratic institutions.
3. Technological and Institutional Innovation
A pledge by Billionaires to commit to providing expertise, capital, and data to support the design of:
A next-generation civic agency (CWIA) with cutting-edge tools for transparent governance;
Open-source platforms for civic participation and public oversight;
Impact modeling tools that ensure funds deliver measurable, equitable outcomes.
Article III: Transparency and Public Accountability
A pledge by Billionaires to consent to public disclosure of:
Their names and signature of this Accord;
The total value and categories of pledged contributions;
Annual reporting of disbursements and measurable impact outcomes, as tracked by the CWIA.
Article IV: Political Nonpartisanship
This Accord is made in the spirit of nonpartisan civic renewal. Support for taxation and redistribution is rooted not in ideology, but in the constitutional principle that government exists to serve the general welfare and preserve the blessings of liberty for all.
Article V: Binding Spirit
This Accord is voluntary in law but binding in conscience. We understand that future generations will judge us not by our accumulation of wealth, but by our willingness to use it in service to the country that made it possible.
Legislative Outline
Wealth Tax Reform & CWIA Federal Charter
We present a draft legislative outline intended to (1) establish a federal wealth tax on ultra-high-net-worth individuals and (2) create a permanent, independent public institution—the Civic Wealth Impact Agency (CWIA)—to administer wealth reinvestment and civic innovation programs.
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Purpose:
To ensure fair contribution from ultra-wealthy citizens and secure long-term funding for democratic renewal and public investment.1. Tax Structure
Threshold:
Individuals with net wealth exceeding $1 billion.Rates:
2% annually on wealth between $1B and $5B
3% on wealth between $5B and $50B
5% on wealth above $50B
Valuation:
Annual market-based assessment of assets, including:Real estate
Equities (public and private)
Art and alternative assets
Cryptocurrencies
Trust-held assets (if controlled by taxpayer)
Avoidance Provisions:
Close stepped-up basis on inherited assets
Enforce global reporting requirements
50% tax penalty for concealment or misreporting
Disallow deferred interest loans backed by untaxed assets
Revenue Destination:
80% to CWIA for designated programs;
20% to deficit reduction.
2. Indexing & Sunset Review
Thresholds indexed to inflation.
Mandatory congressional review every 10 years.
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Purpose:
To establish a public institution capable of deploying wealth tax revenues and voluntary contributions in alignment with national priorities.1. Creation and Independence
CWIA is established as an independent federal agency, reporting to Congress, with its own Inspector General.
Statutorily independent from direct White House, congressional, or party control.
2. Leadership and Oversight
Executive Director: Appointed by a bipartisan commission, confirmed by Senate.
National Civic Council: 15-member board including economists, technologists, civil rights leaders, philanthropists, and public appointees.
3. Mandates
CWIA shall:
Administer and allocate wealth-derived funds across five priority areas:
Education & Early Childhood
Health Equity
Affordable Housing
Climate Resilience
Civic Infrastructure & Democratic Access
Operate and update the CWIA Impact Dashboard for public transparency.
Maintain a Civic Innovation Lab to test and scale new policy technologies.
Coordinate with state/local agencies and communities.
Require annual impact assessments and financial audits.
4. Public Participation Provisions
Public comment period on all major funding decisions.
Participatory budgeting pilots in 10 states per year.
Annual National Civic Forum for democratic input.
5. Transparency, Ethics, and Data Standards
Mandatory open data publishing on all disbursements.
All contracting over $1M subject to open competitive bidding.
Establish a Public Ethics & Equity Tribunal to review complaints.
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To ensure public understanding and trust:
A Civic Truth Office shall be created under CWIA to:
Dispel misinformation about tax reform and redistribution.
Partner with libraries, media, and schools for civic education.
Host a national Civic Literacy Curriculum pilot in public high schools.
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CWIA initial operations funded via:
Year-one billionaire Civic Wealth Accord contributions.
10% of initial wealth tax collections held in operating reserve.
Long-term funding indexed to revenue raised through wealth tax + optional philanthropic contributions.
Join the movement and sign the petition!
Through collective action we have the power to secure the future and change the world.
Why sign?
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Restore Democracy by Rebalancing Power
Signing helps push back against a system where wealth translates into unchecked influence. A fair economy is a stronger democracy.
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Invest in the Foundations of Shared Prosperity
Progressive wealth contributions can fund better schools, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure — lifting everyone, not just a few.
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Patriotism in Action
This is a peaceful, principled alternative to public backlash or social unrest. Signing signals leadership, not resistance, at a critical turning point in American history.
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Prevent a Crisis Before It Comes
History shows that when inequality reaches a tipping point, instability follows. This is a smart, preemptive reform to protect the system — not burn it down.
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Transparency and Accountability You Can Trust
The Civic Wealth Impact Agency (CWIA) will use modern tools like AI, open data, and public dashboards to track every dollar and outcome — ensuring impact, not bureaucracy.
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Shape the Future Instead of Defending the Past
Signing is a chance to be part of something transformative. This isn't just about tax reform — it's about creating a system that works for the next 100 years, not just the next fiscal quarter.