Between November 15, 2023, and February 19, 2024, New York City Residents Ages 16 and Up Can Apply to Join Brooklyn’s Most Grassroots Level of Local Government
BROOKLYN, NY – Today, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced that this year’s application process to become a member of a Brooklyn community board is now open until February 19, 2024. Community boards, the most grassroots level of local government, are local bodies that weigh in on topics ranging from local land use matters to restaurants’ liquor licenses, transportation projects, and more. With 18 community districts, Brooklyn has the most community boards of all five boroughs, each one comprised of up to 50 volunteers who live, work, or have a significant interest in their community. Now through February 19, 2024, eligible New York City residents 16 years and older are encouraged to learn more and apply at https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/community-boards/
“Community boards give New Yorkers a unique opportunity to have a say in matters that impact their communities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “In order for community boards to achieve their full potential, they must be as diverse as the neighborhoods they represent – and here in Brooklyn, my administration is laser-focused on ensuring that community boards are representative and well-resourced. To meet this goal, we need involvement from everyday Brooklynites! No matter your background or story, we want to hear from you. Apply today!”
One essential function of a Brooklyn Borough President is to oversee the borough’s 18 community boards. The staff and membership of each board dedicates their time to addressing constituent concerns, liaising with City agencies and elected officials, informing the public about government programs and budget allocations, providing a platform for stakeholders to weigh in on land use decisions, and much more. Changes to the City Charter and decades of under-resourcing, however, have made it difficult for Brooklyn’s 18 community boards to deliver on their charter-mandated responsibilities and advocate for the needs of their community district. Demographic studies have also shown that board membership often does not reflect a community’s diversity.
Borough President Reynoso’s vision of a Brooklyn for all requires that community boards – the grassroots of our local government – are fully funded, fully resourced, and as diverse as the people of this borough. As agency head, Borough President Reynoso has redirected Borough Hall resources toward furthering the independence and long-term sustainability of community boards through operational training and support, as well as advocating to relevant City agencies to provide critical resources.
More information on Brooklyn’s community boards and the Brooklyn Community Boards Demographics Report 2023 can be found at https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/community-boards/.
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