Who Are NYC Community Board Members, What Do They Do, and How Do You Become One?

What Is a Community Board in NYC?

A New York City Community Board is an official local government body that serves as an advisory group representing the interests of a specific district. There are 59 Community Boards across the five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island).

Each board represents a specific Community District and plays a major role in land use, zoning, local services, budgeting, and development reviews.

Who Can Be a Community Board Member in NYC?

Community Board members are volunteers appointed by the Borough President, often upon recommendation from City Council Members.

To qualify, individuals must:

Live, work, or have a significant connection to the community district Be at least 16 years old Submit an application during the open nomination period (usually January–February annually)

Members typically include:

Local residents Small business owners Educators and nonprofit leaders Retirees, students, and civic advocates Experts in areas like housing, transportation, youth services, and public health

What Do NYC Community Board Members Actually Do?

Review Land Use & Zoning Applications Participate in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) Issue advisory recommendations on housing, commercial, or industrial development Oversee Local Services & Quality of Life Provide input on public safety, sanitation, parks, traffic flow, schools, and social services Recommend City Budget Priorities Suggest where city agencies should direct funding in the local district Host Public Hearings & Forums Organize meetings to gather community feedback and facilitate civic dialogue Promote Accountability in Development Ensure developers and city agencies honor commitments on jobs, contracts, and community benefits

While Community Boards do not have legal veto power, their recommendations carry substantial weight with the NYC Planning Commission and City Council.

Why Are Community Boards Important to Local Development and Equity?

Community Boards are critical to ensuring local voices influence city planning and development. They:

Hold developers publicly accountable Recommend community benefits like affordable housing, local hiring, and public space investments Advocate for small business and MWBE inclusion in major projects Track public sentiment and neighborhood priorities before, during, and after development

Boards are key to advancing Local Content compliance—ensuring public-private projects benefit the people who live and work in the community.

How Do You Become a Community Board Member in NYC?

Apply Online: Each Borough President opens applications in January Applicants fill out forms detailing their background, expertise, and connection to the district Meet Eligibility Criteria: Must live, work, or volunteer significantly in the community district Must be at least 16 years old Undergo Review: Applications are vetted by the Borough President’s office City Council members nominate up to half the appointees for each board Get Appointed: Borough Presidents appoint up to 50 members per Community Board Terms are for two years, with eligibility for reappointment

Step-by-Step Appointment Process:

Each borough (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) has its own application portal on the Borough President’s website.

Summary: Why NYC Community Boards Matter

• Community Board Member: Shapes the future of your neighborhood and advocates for equity

• Developers: Builds trust by working with boards on local benefits and compliance

• Small Business: Gets contracts and visibility through Local Content policies

• Resident: Has a voice in how public and private money is spent locally

Expert Tip for Developers and Agencies

Include a Local Content Compliance Plan™ when presenting to Community Boards. This increases project transparency, improves public sentiment, and can accelerate approval.