Brooklyn Borough President Recruiting Residents For Key Community Board Seats

BROOKLYN, NY— The Brooklyn Borough President’s office is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on local community boards, volunteer bodies that play a central role in shaping neighborhood development, public services, and quality of life across the borough.

Brooklyn is divided into 18 community districts, each represented by a community board made up of up to 50 unsalaried members appointed by the borough president, with recommendations from City Council members. Board members reflect the diversity of their neighborhoods and serve two-year terms.

Community boards act as an official advisory link between residents, City Hall, and municipal agencies. While they do not pass laws, their recommendations carry significant weight in decisions affecting land use, zoning, public safety, transportation, housing, parks, sanitation and economic development.

What Community Board Members Do

Members review and vote on proposals that can shape neighborhoods for decades, including rezonings, housing developments, liquor license applications, and the placement of city facilities such as shelters, schools or sanitation infrastructure. Boards are also consulted during the City’s annual budget process, when they identify local funding priorities and advocate for capital improvements and services.

Community boards monitor service delivery by city agencies, raise concerns from residents, and work to resolve quality-of-life issues such as traffic safety, street conditions, noise complaints, and access to public space. Members often serve as a first point of contact for neighbors navigating city bureaucracy.

Committee Work

Most of the board’s work happens in committees, where members develop expertise in specific issue areas. Common committees include:

• Land Use and Zoning: Reviews development proposals, rezonings, and special permits.
• Housing and Buildings: Addresses affordable housing, tenant issues, and building safety.
• Transportation: Focuses on traffic safety, bike lanes, parking, and transit concerns.
• Parks and Waterfront: Oversees park maintenance, open space, and waterfront access.
• Public Safety: Works with the NYPD and other agencies on crime, quality-of-life, and emergency preparedness.
• Health and Human Services: Examines social services, healthcare access, and community resources.
• Education and Youth: Addresses school capacity, youth programs and educational equity.
• Economic Development: Supports local businesses, job creation and commercial corridors.

Members are typically expected to serve on at least one committee and attend monthly full board meetings, which are open to the public.

Meetings and Public Participation

A typical community board meeting includes a public session where residents can raise concerns, public hearings on specific proposals, reports from elected officials and city agencies, committee presentations, and votes on resolutions. These resolutions are forwarded to city agencies and elected leaders for consideration.

Who Should Apply

Applicants must live, work, or have a significant interest in the community district they seek to serve. The borough president’s office encourages applications from residents of all backgrounds, particularly renters, young adults, immigrants and those historically underrepresented in civic decision-making.

For more information or to apply, visit: Brooklyn Borough President Community Boards.