The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) is the closest form of government to the people. The DLANC Board of Directors consists of 24 elected seats representing over 100,000 stakeholders within five geographic areas of Downtown Los Angeles, representing various communities and interest categories.
The Board is composed of residential and business representatives from the Fashion District, South Park, Historic Core, City Center East, Civic Center/Financial District; Social Services Providers; Homeless residents; as well as At-Large and Area Wide seats. DLANC board members are considered “volunteer City officials” elected every two years by the stakeholders who live, work, own property, or have an ongoing interest in the DLANC boundaries.
As an advisory body of the City of Los Angeles, DLANC advocates for the community on important issues like land-use development, homelessness resources, livability and quality of life issues, public safety and emergency preparedness, and issues pertaining to the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles. It also sponsors community events, holds public hearings, issues grant funding to non-profits and schools (NPG’s), and much more.
DLANC was certified as an approved City Neighborhood Council on April 27, 2002 and is currently one of 99 Neighborhood Councils officially chartered by the Los Angeles City government to ensure that the Citygovernment remains responsive to the different needs and lifestyles of Los Angeles’ wide variety of communities. The NC is governed by city-approved bylaws and has an annual budget funded by taxpayer dollars. It has five board officer positions, nine standing committees, appointed liaisons, and alternate board members.
Although an advisory body, DLANC has the authority to comment on city legislation and issue positions called “Community Impact Statements” (CIS) which are submitted to the City Council, City Boards & Commissions, Mayor, and City Departments. It also plays an essential role in reviewing and holding public hearings on real-estate development and land use cases for all major building projects and the issuing of alcohol, cannabis permits, and other Conditional Use Permits (CUPs). Board members also play a role in reviewing the creation of the annual City budget prior to its approval by the City Council.
***Attention: Elections are being held May 4, at LA Central Library —- 2023 Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Voter Guide brought to you in part by DTLA Weekly.
