My Board Appointment in CB7-District 38
I was appointed to serve on the board of my district in the summer of 2022 and could not be more excited to share it here. Growing up, giving back to the community was something instilled in me early. Summers volunteering at the Special Olympics, helping my mom and grandmother fundraise for the causes they cared about. When I moved to New York, I found my footing slowly, and over the years became increasingly involved with organizations like God's Love We Deliver.
Moving to Sunset Park changed things. After years of downtown living, it was the most community-centric neighborhood I had ever called home, a genuine hidden gem. I felt connected to it quickly, and just as quickly started noticing things I wanted to change. After little luck with 311 and local representatives, I found an open seat on the board. It is now my honor to serve as an active member of CB7, representing Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Park Slope under Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
What is a community board? There are 59 citywide, 18 in Brooklyn. We are a local level of city government, with members appointed to two-year terms by the Borough President and local City Councilmembers.
What does it do? The board meets monthly to weigh in on citywide and local issues, works with city agencies to flag problem areas, produces an annual neighborhood needs report, votes on budget priorities, and coordinates local services. Public meetings and hearings are open to all residents.
My committees:
Economic Development & Waterfront: Local economy, job growth, industrial and commercial areas, and waterfront development.
Education & Youth: School policies, facilities, and programs affecting young people in the community.
Other committees:
Capital & Expense Budget: Votes on local budget priorities following a public hearing each October.
Public Safety: Police, fire, emergency services, preparedness, and quality of life concerns.
Community boards are the first point of contact between New York City residents and their government. The advisory recommendations boards issue are taken seriously at every level of government and shape the development of neighborhoods in real, tangible ways. It can be challenging to operate in an advisory capacity, but the most rewarding part is being able to address community concerns directly and fairly.
I also love the people. My fellow board members dedicate their time and energy entirely outside of their day jobs, driven by a genuine commitment to the neighborhoods they serve. As someone new to this space, I am repeatedly humbled by people who have given years, sometimes decades, to public service.
If you have ever thought about getting more involved in local government, I cannot recommend it enough. And I say this with no judgment: it is more rewarding than reposting Instagram stories or tweeting about what is wrong with the city.
There are so many great ways to get involved but if you’re considering a local branch of government, consider starting here.
