The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) is the closest form of government to the people. As an advisory body to the City of Los Angeles, we advocate for our community on a wide range of critical issues, including land-use development, homelessness services, livability, quality of life, public safety, emergency preparedness, and other matters within the city’s jurisdiction.

Our Board of Directors is composed of 24 elected representatives, each serving different communities and interest categories across five distinct areas of Downtown Los Angeles. In addition to our advocacy work, we organize community events, hold public hearings, provide grant funding to nonprofits and schools (NPGs), and much more.

As a part of the Los Angeles City government, DLANC operates with an annual budget funded by taxpayer dollars. While we serve in an advisory capacity, we have the authority to comment on city legislation and submit positions known as “Community Impact Statements” (CIS) to the City Council, Mayor, City Boards and Commissions, and City Departments. Additionally, we play a key role in reviewing major real estate developments, land use cases, and the issuance of alcohol, cannabis, and other Conditional Use Permits (CUPs). We also contribute to the review process of the annual City budget before it is approved by the City Council.

DLANC board members are volunteer City officials elected by community members. Our 24-member Board of Directors includes residential and business representatives from five geographic areas of Downtown Los Angeles, as well as seats for Social Services Providers, Homeless Residents, At-Large members, and Area-Wide representatives. The board also includes five officer positions, nine standing committees, appointed liaisons, and alternate board members.

The Neighborhood Council system was established in 1999 under the authority of Article IX of the City Charter to ensure that the City government remains responsive to the diverse needs and lifestyles of Los Angeles’ varied communities. DLANC was certified as an official City Neighborhood Council on April 27, 2002, and operates under city-approved bylaws. There are currently 99 Neighborhood Councils across Los Angeles, each serving approximately 40,000 people. These councils are overseen by the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners and receive support and oversight from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and the Office of the City Clerk.