In 2019, the Neighborhood Councils of Los Angeles--the largest civic engagement system in the United States--are going to have their biggest elections ever and we want your communities to be a part of them! Our system provides a unique opportunity for your communities in that Angelenos can vote and run for office in Neighborhood Councils regardless of their immigration status or whether or not they are formerly incarcerated or on parole.

The Neighborhood Council system exists to promote more participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs. This work is done at the grassroots level where residents and stakeholders throughout the City act as the voice of their neighborhood to ensure that City services are equitably distributed to their community, make sure neighbors are informed about what is happening in their community, and to undertake projects that benefit the public.

Neighborhood Councils have existed for almost 20 years and it is critical that voices yet to be heard are better represented. That is where you come in. 

While the experiences of immigrants and people touched by incarceration are distinct, they share a common perspective that is less visible and less accessible to those who have not had those experiences. Issues such as public safety, economic development, and access to city services may take on a different meaning for your communities.

Our goal with this convening is to illuminate these nuances, learn what is common to all of us, and have a conversation about our collective civic life. We hope to come together to ask the question: What would our work and the Neighborhood Council system look like if perspectives from your under-represented communities were included?

Access to the political process, City resources, and civic life itself is at the heart of our work and it would be wonderful to connect and learn from local voices like yours. 

Event Details

Date: Wednesday January 9, 2019

Time: 6:00pm - 8:30PM

Location: Tom Bradley Tower (27th Floor) at City Hall200 N Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 

Parking: Parking is located at City Hall East parking Structure P2
201 N Los Angeles Street. (Off of Los Angeles St. between Temple St. and 1st Street.)

Public Transit: City Hall is located near the "Civic Center" stop on the Red and Purple Lines and the "Union Station" stop of the Red, Purple, and Gold Lines.  You can find a list of the panelists and their bios here.