NYC Community Boards Demand Increased Funding Amid Growing Demands

Community boards in New York City have long requested increased funding to effectively serve their neighborhoods. During a recent meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations, members discussed various strategies to address the chronic underfunding of these vital local agencies, which have not seen meaningful budget adjustments in over two decades.

During the meeting, District Managers from several community boards highlighted disparities between the growing demands placed on them and their stagnant budgets. Mark Diller, District Manager of Community Board 2, noted that community engagement has increased significantly, citing a rise in outdoor dining applications from 20 to 25 per week to over 70. He emphasized the need for additional planners to meet these demands, stating, “Our budgets are not adjusted to reflect the new responsibilities” (Source: https://youtu.be/_8AMr1hMalE&t=2670).

Sean Campbell, District Manager of Brooklyn Community Board 14, echoed Diller’s concerns, pointing out that community boards are independent city agencies that have experienced minimal budget increases while inflation has continued to impact operational costs. He criticized the ongoing reliance on existing staff to handle a growing workload without corresponding financial support, which has resulted in staff attrition and the need for temporary hires to fulfill responsibilities (Source: https://youtu.be/_8AMr1hMalE&t=2495).

To remedy this situation, several proposals emerged during the discussions. Among them was a suggestion for a baseline budget increase, which would allow community boards to plan for the future, hire additional staff, and implement necessary technology updates. The idea of aligning community board budgets with those of borough halls was also raised, allowing for a more equitable distribution of resources (Source: https://youtu.be/_8AMr1hMalE&t=3421).

Additional testimony highlighted the inadequate facilities many boards currently operate in. Jesus Pettis from Manhattan Community Board 6 reported that issues such as insufficient space and poor accessibility hinder their ability to hold public meetings effectively. Many boards rely on spaces that lack the technological resources necessary for hybrid meetings, further complicating public engagement efforts (Source: https://youtu.be/_8AMr1hMalE&t=2846).

In remarks aimed at generating systemic changes, the district managers collectively urged city officials to recognize the critical role community boards play in the democratic process and allocation of city resources. With a clearer understanding of their needs articulated, they called for the city to make a long-term commitment to increase funding, outlining that this should not only address immediate budgeting concerns but ensure comprehensive support for enhanced community engagement moving forward (Source: https://youtu.be/_8AMr1hMalE&t=4101).

Overall, the call for additional resources and a reevaluation of financial distribution policies aims to empower community boards, ensuring they remain effective conduits between residents and local government amid evolving urban challenges.