Behind the scenes of liquor licenses, bike lanes, housing development, traffic, and trash are common conversations had by Brooklyn’s 18 community boards and the 900 community members who make them up. Mapped by neighborhoods, each community board is comprised of 50 volunteer members interested in amplifying their community’s perspective on hyperlocal issues — and now through Feb. 14, 2023, Brooklynites 16 years and older have the chance to apply to become one of those members.
But what exactly does a community board do, what power do they hold, and why should you join? I didn’t learn the answers to these questions until I was in my twenties, and as someone who wanted to help my community from a young age, I’ve always wished I had known sooner.
