Introduction to Our Users - hackforla/311-data GitHub Wiki

Who are Neighborhood Council Members?

  • Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles are a form of local government that provides a direct line of communication between residents and City Hall. They were established in 1999 as part of a broader effort to promote community engagement and increase civic participation.

  • There are currently 99 Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles, each representing a specific geographic area and consisting of elected volunteers who serve two-year terms. These Councils work to promote public participation in government decision-making, identify and address community concerns, and provide feedback to city officials on a range of issues.

  • Neighborhood Councils have the power to hold public meetings, make recommendations to city agencies and elected officials, and advocate for local priorities. They also have the ability to allocate funds for community improvement projects, subject to certain guidelines and restrictions.

  • Overall, Neighborhood Councils serve as a valuable platform for community members to get involved in local governance, voice their concerns and ideas, and work collaboratively to make their neighborhoods better places to live.

Demographics of Our User

  • The demographics of elected Neighborhood Council members in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on the specific Council and the neighborhood it represents. However, the Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE), which oversees the Neighborhood Council system, has reported some general trends based on data collected from Councils across the city.

  • According to DONE's data, as of 2021, approximately 52% of Neighborhood Council members in Los Angeles are male, while 48% are female. The age distribution of members is fairly evenly spread across different age groups, with about one-third of members aged 50 or older, one-third aged 35-49, and one-third aged 18-34.