The Community Boards play an important role in improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers, but many people don’t know about them. We urge you to learn how your Community Board can help you, and how you may be able to help your Community Board.
Membership
Community Boards are local representative bodies. There are 59 throughout the City. Each Board consists of up to 50 unsalaried members appointed by the Borough President, with half nominated by the City Council Members who represent the community district. Board members are selected by the Borough Presidents from among active, involved people of each community, with an effort made to assure that every neighborhood is represented. Board members must reside, work, or have some other significant interest in the community.
Meetings
Boards meet once each month; Bronx Community Board 8 meets the second Tuesday of the month except for July & August. At these meetings, members address items of concern to the community. Board meetings are open to the public, and a portion of each meeting is reserved for the Board to hear from members of the public. In addition, Boards regularly conduct public hearings – on the City’s budget, on land use matters, and other major issues – to give the people of the community the opportunity to express their opinions.
Committees
Board committees do most of the planning and work on the issues that are acted on at Board meetings. Each Board establishes the committee structure and procedures it feels will best meet the needs of its district. Non-Board members may apply to join or work on Board committees.
City Budget
Community Boards assess the needs of their own neighborhoods, meet with City agencies, and make recommendations in the City’s budget process to address them.