ABOUT THE NCRC
• What is the ncrc?
• What does the ncrc hope to achieve?
• How long will this process take?
• Will you be evaluating the performance of my neighborhood council?
• What areas are you reviewing?
• How can I provide input?
• When are your meetings?

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS (NCs)
• What exactly is a neighborhood council?
• When/why were they created?
• What is the purpose of a neighborhood council?
• Why do I need a neighborhood council?
• How do I find out more about my local neighborhood council?
• Where can I learn more about neighborhood councils?
• How do I get involved in my local neighborhood council?
ABOUT THE NCRC

What is the NCRC?
We are an independent commission of 29 volunteers who were appointed by the Mayor and City Council to review how well the system of neighborhood councils has been working in our city. We are residents, business-owners, neighborhood council members and other stakeholders who come from all over Los Angeles. Learn more about us by reading our individual bios
here.

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What does the NCRC hope to achieve?
Our goal is to find out how well the system of neighborhood councils is working for all of us and how the system can be improved. We have now spent more than a year holding hearings, reviewing research and meeting with stakeholders across the city. We will report to the City Council with recommendations for action in late 2007.

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How long is this process going to take?
We began our work in July 2006, and expect to wrap up in September 2007. Our final report will contain findings and recommendations that can be acted upon by City leaders. Visit our
calendar to find specific meetings and key dates, or to learn about issues we've already tackled.

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Will you be evaluating the performance of my neighborhood council?
No. We are not evaluating the performance of individual neighborhood councils but rather the system as a whole. It is our hope, however, that recommendations will lead to improvements for neighborhood councils overall.

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What areas are you reviewing?
We are focused on reviewing five major areas: 1) defining a vision for the ideal NC system in Los Angeles; 2) examining the current powers and roles of NCs; 3) evaluating the quality of working relationships between NCs and City departments; 4) assessing the effectiveness of current outreach efforts and the NC election process; and 5) reviewing the amount of support NCs get from the City for funding, training and other specific needs. To learn more about these issues, visit our
library.

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How can I provide input? When are your meetings?
We encourage your input and have provided a few ways to give us feedback. You can attend any one of our
meetings and provide public comment directly to the commission. We’ve held public hearings and interactive workshops in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles; if you didn't have a chance to attend, send us feedback, ideas and suggestions here. Finally you can submit written testimony at a meeting or through our office by calling 213.978.1074.

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When are your meetings?
We hold at least two meetings a month, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Many of these meetings are held downtown at the Metropolitan Water District
headquarters, adjacent to Union Station. We have also held 14 public hearings throughout Los Angeles. To stay informed of upcoming meetings, visit our calendar.

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ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS

What exactly is a neighborhood council (NC)?
A neighborhood council is a group of local stakeholders who are interested in issues that affect their community. Stakeholders are residents, business-owners, workers and others who participate in a specific community. To learn more about neighborhood councils or to find one in your area, visit The
L.A. Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE).

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When/why were they created?
Neighborhood councils were created in 1999 by a vote of the people as part of a major charter reform initiative designed to improve Los Angeles city government. A short history of neighborhood councils in L.A. can be found
here.

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What is the purpose of neighborhood councils?
Neighborhood councils are intended to do two things: 1) promote more public participation in government; and 2) make government more responsive to local needs. Learn more
here.

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Why do I need a neighborhood council?
In a city as large as Los Angeles, many people felt their voices weren’t being heard at City Hall. Neighborhood Councils were created as a way to improve that. They are intended to provide a forum for raising local issues, as well as providing a way to comment on city-wide matters.

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How do I find out more about my local neighborhood council?
The
L.A. Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) oversees the City’s NC system and can lead you to your neighborhood council or answer specific questions you may have about NCs. Many local NCs also have their own websites.

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Where can I learn more about neighborhood councils?
The
L.A. Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) can provide you with detailed information about NCs in general, as well as connect you with your local NC. Many NCs also have their own websites.

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How do I get involved in my local neighborhood council?
The
L.A. Department of Neighborhood Empowerment(DONE) is your primary contact for information about your individual NCs.

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