Neighborhood Councils

Neighborhood Councils in the San Fernando Valley

FAQs

What does a Neighborhood Council do?

Neighborhood Councils are volunteer groups that give residents a voice in Los Angeles city government. Think of them as a bridge between your neighborhood and City Hall.

Their Main Jobs:

Neighborhood Councils review projects and policies that affect your area. When the city wants to build something new, change zoning rules, or make decisions about local services, your Neighborhood Council can speak up for the community. City officials listen to these recommendations when making final decisions.

Each council also gets about $42,000 every year to spend on local projects. They might use this money for street cleanups, community events, safety improvements, or other neighborhood needs.

How They Work:

Neighborhood Council board members are neighbors who volunteer their time. They're elected by people who live or work in the area. Los Angeles has 99 different Neighborhood Councils, each covering a different part of the city.

Councils hold regular public meetings where anyone can attend and share their opinions. You don't have to be on the board to participate.

Making a Difference:

While Neighborhood Councils can't pass laws themselves, city leaders take their input seriously. They're especially important when it comes to development projects and land use decisions in your neighborhood. When a council takes a position on an issue, it goes directly to the LA City Council as an official Community Impact Statement.

Your local Neighborhood Council is a way to get involved and help shape what happens in your community.