The 59 Community Districts of NYC are autonomous, non-Mayoral City agencies authorized by the City Charter for the purpose of “planning of community life within the city, the participation of citizens in city government within their communities, and the efficient and effective organization of agencies that deliver municipal services in local communities” including advising City & State agencies and our elected officials on local land use, zoning issues, public policy, permits and licenses, and the City budget.
Each Community District is represented by 50 volunteer Board Members appointed by their Borough President and local City Council Members to serve a two-year term for up to four consecutive terms. Although unsalaried, Board Members are public officials subject to the rules of the City’s Conflicts of Interest Board, including Ch. 68 (“Conflicts of Interest”) of the City Charter. They must also uphold the New York State Public Officers Law, including the Freedom of Information Law and the Open Meetings Law.
In addition, each of the 59 Community Boards is required to have its own Bylaws. Read the Bylaws of BKCB2.
Each Community District is managed by a professional staff of New York City employees, led by a District Manager who is appointed to serve by a majority vote of their Board. District Managers are members of the NYC Managerial Employees Association (NYC-MEA). All other District Office staff are members of the Social Service Employees Union (SSEU) Local 371 (AFSCME/AFL-CIO). All NYC employees are protected by and beholden to the laws and rules of the NYC Administrative Code.