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Neighborhood councils of Los Angeles

Local advisory bodies in California, U.S. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The neighborhood councils of Los Angeles are advisory bodies that advocate for their communities on key issues such as development, homelessness, and emergency preparedness, working in collaboration with the Los Angeles city government.

The neighborhood council system was established in 1999 with the aim of ensuring that the city government remains responsive to the diverse needs and lifestyles of Los Angeles’ various communities. Currently, there are ninety-nine neighborhood councils in Los Angeles, each serving approximately 40,000 residents.[1]

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History

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In 1999, voters approved a new City Charter that established the Neighborhood Council System and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (EmpowerLA) “to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs…”.[2] Specifically, the charter ensures each neighborhood council receives early warning of upcoming city decisions and has the opportunity to be heard.

The new charter also required that neighborhood councils be consulted in the budget process. Article IX, Section 909 of the city charter mandates that each neighborhood council “may present to the Mayor and Council an annual list of priorities for the City budget.” The mayor must “inform certified neighborhood councils of the deadline for submission so that the input may be considered in a timely fashion.”[3]

While EmpowerLA is the main coordinator for services to Neighborhood Councils, other City departments also provide support. The Office of the City Attorney has a dedicated Neighborhood Council Advice Division that provides legal guidance to councils and board members. The City Clerk oversees the administration of funding and elections for the Neighborhood Council system.[4]

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Purpose

Serving an advisory role, neighborhood councils gather, review, and discuss issues that influence their community and then express their position on these matters through "Community Impact Statements" (CIS), which are submitted to City decision-makers such as the Mayor, City Council, and relevant city departments.[citation needed]

Participation

Neighborhood Councils allow participation from a wide range of individuals who are involved in the community. This includes individuals who live, work, or own property or businesses within the council’s boundaries. In addition, the system includes "community interest stakeholders," who have ongoing and significant involvement within the council’s area. Examples of these stakeholders include students of local schools or members of a local church congregation. Board members, candidates, and voters in Neighborhood Councils do not need to be U.S. citizens or legal residents. Participation is also open to individuals who have previously been incarcerated.[4]

Funding

Each Neighborhood Council receives approximately $32,000 in public funds annually to support their activities. Board members are required to complete state-mandated training on the ethical management of public funds, which must be allocated by board consensus. These funds can be used for community-based events and programs or to advocate for various issues, such as crime prevention, infrastructure improvement, support for children, homelessness assistance, arts, or local economic development.[4]

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List of Neighborhood Councils

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The current list of the ninty-nine neighborhood council. [5]

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Notable neighborhood councilmembers

This is a list of notable individuals who have served on a neighborhood council in Los Angeles.

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References

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