Joining your NYC Community Board

Lana

January 17, 2023 // Pathfinder

Veterans, active duty service members, military spouses, and Gold Star families must be represented at every level of government. That’s why DVS is encouraging members of NYC’s Veteran Community to join their local community board!

Community boards are local representative bodies. There are 59 community boards throughout the City, and each one consists of up to 50 unsalaried members, half of whom are nominated by their district’s City Council members. Board members are selected and appointed by the Borough Presidents from among active, involved people of each community and must reside, work, or have some other significant interest in the community.

Each community board is led by a District Manager who establishes an office, hires staff, and implements procedures to improve the delivery of City services to the district. While the main responsibility of the board office is to receive complaints from community residents, they also maintain other duties, such as processing permits for block parties and street fairs. Many boards choose to provide additional services and manage special projects that cater to specific community needs, including organizing tenants associations, coordinating neighborhood cleanup programs, and more.

Community board members also reflect the points of views of their neighbors and advise government officials on how to best serve their local community. In this capacity, Community board members have the following responsibilities:

Inform elected officials and government agencies on the critical issues of their community
Ensure that NYC neighborhoods receive the services they need
Advise the City about the community’s budgetary needs
Recommend initiatives to support an area’s growth
Lead a public discussion on issues that can alter their community

Every community board in NYC should include a member of the Veteran Community to reflect the needs of their peers. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard!

See below for more information, how to apply through the office of your Borough President or Council Member, and the application deadline for each respective borough.

Bronx

Bronx Community Boards
Apply through the Bronx Borough President
Apply by contacting your Council Member