Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is urging everyday Brooklynites to apply to become members of local community boards in order to make them "as diverse as the neighborhoods they represent."
Community boards, considered 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.
This year’s application process to become a member of a Brooklyn community board is now open and continues until Feb. 19, 2024.
“Community boards give New Yorkers a unique opportunity to have a say in matters that impact their communities,” Reynoso said in a news release.
“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.”
Eligible New York City residents 16 and older are encouraged to learn more and apply at https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/community-boards/
What does the position entail?
The staff and membership of each board dedicate 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, according to the release.
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, Reynoso says, adding that demographic studies have also shown that board membership often does not reflect a community’s diversity.
Reynoso said his vision of a "Brooklyn for all" requires that community boards are fully funded, fully resourced, and as diverse as the people of the borough.
As agency head, Reynoso says he 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/.
