Brooklyn BP Reynoso Continues Push For Representative Community Boards

BROOKLYN, NY — Community Board applications are now open and after some success increasing young participation, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is still set on making the boards more diverse.

Applications for the local volunteer bodies opened last week, and remain open through Feb. 19, 2024.

Community Boards are made up of local community members who issue advisory, non-binding options on a slew of matters, including zoning and housing decisions, liquor licenses, street changes, park renovations, and many other issues, and are often relied on to bring community needs to the attention of those in power.

Reynoso in 2023 set his sites on reforming the longtime New York City institution, calling out, among other issues, a problem that has plagued the system of hyperlocal governance since the beginning: diversity.

“In order for community boards to achieve their full potential, they must be as diverse as the neighborhoods they represent – and here in Brooklyn, my administration is laser-focused on ensuring that community boards are representative and well-resourced," Reynoso said in a callout for applications Tuesday.

"To meet this goal, we need involvement from everyday Brooklynites!"

Reynoso called last year's efforts "successful," but said there is work yet to be done including more members between age 16-18, new immigrant populations, different working populations and essential workers.

For example, members' work experience is not reflective of the communities, Reynoso said in a 2023 report on Community Board demographics.

"Brooklyn's board members have bachelor's degrees at rates 1.5 times of the average resident, creating a void and noticeable lack of expertise on matters in the construction, retail, and trade industries," Reynoso's office said in a 2023 report.

In 2022, new members between the ages of 16-40 made up only 21 percent of the cohort. In 2023, the cohort was 51 percent folks under 40, including six new members between 16 and 19 years old.

Brooklyn's Community Board 4, which covers Bushwick, is Brooklyn's youngest, comprised of 46 percent members under 40 years old.

In Community Boards across Brooklyn, under 10 percent of members live in NYCHA or rent-regulated properties, while just over 20 percent are renters. Over 40 percent of Brooklyn's Community Board members are homeowners.

Community Board applications gauge a residents' affiliation to and involvement in the community, asking questions about residency, work and interest in the community leadership.

Applicants then go through a two-round interview process before appointment. Some existing Community Board members also have to undergo a reapplication screening.

Last year, 508 of 1,061 applicants were inducted to Brooklyn's 18 boards, including 341 reappointments.