New Yorkers, here’s Your Chance to Shape Your Neighborhood: Join a Manhattan Community Board
NEW YORK CITY — If you’ve ever wanted to make a tangible impact on your neighborhood, now’s your chance. Manhattan’s 12 community boards — teh grassroots groups that represent local interests in city government — are currently accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of board members.Each of these boards, which are entirely volunteer-run, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. From deciding on changes to local streets and parks to weighing in on city budget items and liquor licenses for new businesses, these boards are where the rubber meets the road in local governance.
What Exactly Is a Community Board?
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For those unfamiliar, community boards are the most grassroots level of government in new York City. Comprised of up to 50 members per board, these groups meet monthly to discuss and vote on issues that directly affect their neighborhoods.
“The boards meet monthly to vote on things like changes to local streets, buildings and parks, city budget items, liquor licenses for new businesses, and so much more,” explains the original article. While these meetings might sound routine, they can often become heated, especially when contentious topics like zoning changes or new developments are on the table.
Once a board reaches a decision, its official opinions are shared with the city’s relevant government agencies, which than take these stances into account when making final decisions.
How to Get Involved
If you’re passionate about your neighborhood and want to have a say in its future, joining a community board is a fantastic way to get involved.Applications are open now through February 28, and all board members are selected by Manhattan Borough president Mark Levine.
Each board member serves a two-year term, with half of the seats up for grabs each year. This means 25 seats are available annually across Manhattan’s 12 boards.
To apply, simply fill out the submission form available online. For more details about the role of community boards and how they operate, visit the official Manhattan Borough President’s website.
Why Join a Community Board?
Joining a community board isn’t just about attending meetings — it’s about making a difference.Whether you’re advocating for safer streets,better parks,or more equitable city budgets,your voice can help shape the future of your neighborhood.
As the original article notes, “These meetings can actually get pretty heated, depending on the topic of the debate.” This means your input could be the deciding factor in critical local decisions.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Number of Boards | 12 |
| Members per Board | Up to 50 |
| Term Length | 2 years |
| Seats Available Annually | 25 |
| Application Deadline | February 28 |
| Selection Process | Chosen by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine |
Ready to make a Difference?
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved, don’t wait — the application window closes on February 28. For more details about the role of community boards and how to apply, visit the Manhattan Borough President’s website.
Have questions or need tips? Reach out to Miranda Levingston at [email protected].
Your neighborhood needs you. Will you answer the call?
Headline: Shaping Neighborhoods: A Conversation with manhattan Community Board Specialist, Dr. Patricia Brennan
Introduction:
New Yorkers are invited to contribute directly to their communities by joining Manhattan’s 12 grassroots community boards. To shed light on this chance, our Senior Editor sat down with Dr. Patricia Brennan,a seasoned expert in community engagement and servant leadership. Dr. Brennan, who has dedicated years to community boards, shares her insights on these local governance bodies and encourages New Yorkers to participate.
What Exactly Is a Community Board?
Dr. Brennan: ”Community boards are the most local form of government in New York City. Each of the 12 Manhattan boards consists of up to 50 volunteer members who meet monthly to discuss and vote on issues affecting their neighborhoods. These can range from changes to local infrastructure to city budget items and liquor licenses for new businesses.”
How Do community Boards Operate and Make an Impact?
Dr. Brennan: “Boards meet monthly to intentional and vote on items that can substantially impact their communities. While meetings can be routine, they can also become quite heated, especially when discussing contentious topics like zoning changes or new developments. Once a board reaches a decision,its official opinions are shared with relevant city agencies,influencing final decisions.”
How Can New Yorkers Get Involved?
Dr. Brennan: “Applications for community board seats are open now through February 28. All Manhattan board members are selected by Borough President Mark Levine, and each serves a two-year term. With 25 seats available annually across Manhattan’s 12 boards,there are ample opportunities for passionate residents to make a difference.”
What Inspires New Yorkers to Join Community boards?
Dr. Brennan: “Joining a community board isn’t just about attending meetings; it’s about making a tangible impact. Whether advocating for safer streets, better parks, or more equitable city budgets, your voice can help shape the future of your neighborhood. These meetings can be heated, but your input might be the deciding factor in critical local decisions.”
Key Facts and How to Apply
Dr. Brennan: “Here are some key facts about community boards: There are 12 boards, each with up to 50 members, serving two-year terms. Half of the seats are up for grabs each year, with 25 available annually. The application deadline is february 28, and all members are chosen by Borough President Mark Levine. For more details and to apply, visit the Manhattan Borough President’s website.”
Ready to Make a Difference?
Dr. Brennan: ”if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference, don’t wait – the application window closes on February 28. Have questions or need tips? Reach out to Miranda Levingston at [email protected]. Your neighborhood needs you – will you answer the call?”
About Dr. Patricia Brennan:
Dr. Patricia Brennan is a dedicated community engagement specialist and servant leader with years of experience in community boards and other local governance bodies. She is passionate about empowering New Yorkers to contribute to their communities and continues to support and advocate for community boards.