Do you want to make an impact right here in West Adams? Get involved in shaping the future of our neighborhood by running for a position on the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC)! Serving on the Council is a fantastic way to work on issues that matter most to you, from local development and public safety to community programs and sustainability.
What Are Neighborhood Councils?
Neighborhood Councils (NCs) are local advisory bodies that bring community voices directly into Los Angeles city government. Made up of volunteers elected by the community, NCs represent the unique needs and concerns of their neighborhoods. They work on issues such as public safety, development, and neighborhood improvement, and provide input on city policies and budget priorities. Open to residents, business owners, workers, and other stakeholders, NCs are a direct way for people from all walks of life to get involved, influence decisions, and make a real impact on their communities.
Upcoming Election Details:
The next WANC election is scheduled for April 8, 2024, with voting exclusively by mail. The City Clerk’s Election Division will be administering the election, and this is your chance to help make decisions that directly affect our community. Key dates for getting started:
- Candidate Filing Period:
- December 6, 2024 – January 20, 2025
- Vote By Mail Application Period:
- February 7, 2025 – March 31, 2025
For the full election timeline, visit here.
Seats Up for Election:
We have several key seats open for individuals who are passionate about creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Available seats include:
- (3) At-Large Representatives – Any Stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age at the time of the election.
- (1) Business Representative – Stakeholders who own a business, operate a business, own business property or multi-residential property and who are 18 years or older.
- (1) Community Interest Representative – Any 18+ year old stakeholder who is a member of a community based organization or faith based group.
- (1) Education Representative – A stakeholder who is a member of an educational institution (administration, faculty or student) and who is at least 18 years old
- (1) Homeowner Representative – Any Stakeholder who owns residential property and lives within WANC boundaries and is 18 years or older.
- (1) Youth Representative – Any Stakeholder ages 14 – 17 who lives in WANC Boundaries
In addition to these roles, we’re also looking to fill the positions of Vice President and Secretary on our board, which can be held by either an existing or incoming board member.
Who Can Participate?
Unlike other elections, Neighborhood Council participation is open to anyone who lives, works, or has a vested interest in West Adams, including those who attend school, are involved in local organizations, or participate in worship or service groups within the area. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to run or vote, and the minimum age to vote is 16, with most positions open to candidates 18 and older (14-17 for the Youth Representative seat).
The Time Commitment
Serving on the WANC requires a commitment of around 10 hours a month, making it manageable for people with a busy schedule but a big desire to give back. It’s an incredible opportunity to build connections, develop leadership skills, and make tangible changes in your neighborhood.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the EmpowerLA Elections page for more details on how you can take part in this exciting opportunity. If you’re passionate about making a difference, now’s your chance to step up and help create the community we all want to see. We look forward to seeing new voices join us in leading West Adams!