BROOKLYN — Applications for city residents to join one of Brooklyn’s 18 community boards — the city’s most grassroots level of local government — are open until Feb. 14, 2025, at 11 p.m. The boards are local bodies that weigh in on topics such as local land use matters, liquor licenses, transportation projects, local businesses and more.
“When community boards reflect the people they represent and are equipped with a full suite of information, expertise, and resources, they become a true venue for community power,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “While Brooklyn is on the way, we still have work to do to address the underrepresentation of certain groups on our boards.”
Brooklyn has 18 community districts and the most community boards of all five boroughs. Each community board has up to 50 volunteer members who live, work or have significant interest (such as owning a business) in their community. A councilmember chooses half of the community board members, and the borough president chooses the other half.
“As a member of the community board, I have had the privilege of working with fellow members to address issues and concerns brought forth by local residents,” said Amel Afzal, a member on CB7. “Community boards have a mix of experienced veterans as well as new members, ensuring continuity while also allowing fresh perspectives to be brought to the table.”
After submitting an application, the applicant will be interviewed virtually about their experience and intentions for joining the board. Applicants will then be notified if they have been selected as a board member, and chosen members will be sworn in. Afzal explained the process of joining a community board in a guest submission to the Brooklyn Eagle in 2023.
“I joined a couple of board meetings as a member of…
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