Get Involved in NYC Government
Get Involved in New York City Government
New Yorkers are fired up about making a difference and being a positive force for change, but it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. A great place to start is on the local level, where government is at its most local level. Community Boards, Community Education Councils, Precinct Councils, and Advisory Boards are powered by local New Yorkers, and we’re looking to add YOU.
Read more about each opportunity to get involved below.
A Message from the Borough President
Learn How to Get Involved
Join Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine online in a discussion with local leaders and neighbors on how to get involved in New York City government.
RSVP for the online session on December 5th at 5pm.
Community Boards
Manhattan’s 12 community boards are the independent and representative voices of their communities, the most grass-roots form of local government. By joining a community board, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues, from local development projects to citywide health initiatives. Community boards monitor the delivery of city services such as sanitation and street maintenance, planning and reviewing land use applications, and make recommendations for each year’s city budget.
Applications for hundreds of seats will open in January, so keep an eye out – and in the meantime, start attending your community board’s public meetings (each board’s website is available here.
Manhattan Volunteer Corps
Volunteers help out with community clean-ups, clothing drives, borough-wide events, and more. It’s a great way to give back to your fellow New Yorkers and get to know your neighbors across Manhattan. We’re always looking for new corps members, so sign up here.
Manhattan Future Leaders Fellowship
Open to high school juniors and seniors, this fellowship with BP Levine’s office is seeking curious, motivated students to learn the ins and outs of local government, cultivate critical leadership skills, meet city officials, and develop public policy recommendations. Fellows will also have the opportunity to tour City Hall, the Museum of the City of New York, Seneca Village in Central Park, and Little Island. The fellowship will meet January – May 2025. Apply by December 1.
Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board
MSWAB helps move the borough toward zero-waste goals by promoting recycling, composting, and other sustainability initiatives. Apply here.
Community Education Councils
CECs are volunteer parents and community leaders dedicated to supporting local district schools to improve student achievement. CECs help families connect to individual schools and the district, recommend improvements to school buildings, provide input on district issues, and more. The next term begins July 2025, and you can find application information here.
Community Precinct Councils
Councils facilitate communication between community members and police officers in order to solve local problems and foster community partnership. Information for precinct councils is found by clicking on your own precinct page here.
Hospital Community Advisory Boards
Manhattan’s 7 CABs advocate for NYC Health + Hospitals facilities and their patients as well as raise awareness about the health care services available at these hospitals and long-term care facilities. Learn more and apply for a two-year term here.
NYCHA Tenant Associations
Each NYCHA development has a TA made up of residents working to improve quality of life in the development and the broader community. In addition to liaising between residents and management, TAs organize NYCHA family days and other development events. TA members are elected by fellow residents. Learn more here.
DYCD Neighborhood Advisory Board
NABs are an opportunity for volunteers to work with the Department of Youth & Community Development to help low-income neighborhoods identify and access various supports and resources. Volunteers can be as young as 16. Apply here.