NEW YORK — Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal today announced the opening of applications for the 2026 term of Manhattan community boards, marking the first community board application cycle of his administration and inviting New Yorkers to apply to serve on one of the city’s most important forums for civic engagement.
Community boards play a critical advisory role in shaping neighborhood life, including reviewing land use and zoning proposals, holding public hearings, and issuing recommendations on the City budget, municipal services, and quality-of-life issues. Their work helps inform decisions on housing development, transportation planning, sanitation services, small business corridors, parks, and public safety.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: “Community boards are a vital way for everyday New Yorkers to have a direct voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods. As we open this application cycle, I want to ensure these boards reflect the lived experiences of the communities they serve. I encourage anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Manhattan and wants to strengthen their neighborhood to apply.”
As part of fulfilling a campaign promise, registered lobbyists and staff members of city, state, or federal elected officials will not be selected to serve on Manhattan community boards. This policy is intended to promote diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups and communities and help ensure boards remain resident-driven and focused on community priorities.
Applications for the 2026 term are now open and will close on February 27. The process is open to both new applicants and current community board members seeking reappointment. Applications can be submitted online at bpbhs.com/cb.
To make participation more accessible and encourage a broad and diverse applicant pool, the application process is fully digital and streamlined. Recent reforms have eliminated paper applications and notarization requirements and strengthened
transparency and accountability through standardized governance practices across boards.
Eligibility requirements are straightforward: applicants must be at least 16 years old, live, work, or attend school in the community board district to which they are applying, demonstrate a commitment to serving their community, and meet applicable conflict-of-interest standards.
There are 59 community boards citywide, including 12 in Manhattan, each composed of up to 50 unpaid members serving two-year terms. All Manhattan community board members are appointed by the Borough President pursuant to the City Charter, with half of appointments nominated by City Council members representing the affected districts. Members wishing to continue serving must reapply at the conclusion of each term.
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