NYC Community Board Application Form - Fill Out and Use This PDF

The Community Board Application form serves as an essential document for residents of New York City who aspire to have a voice in their local government, particularly within the Brooklyn borough. Designed to ensure the board reflects the community it serves, this application collects detailed information from applicants, including personal, employment, and community activity data, all of which are critical for assessing each candidate's eligibility and potential contributions. For those interested in shaping their neighborhood's future through public service, completing and submitting this form is the first step. Ready to make a difference? Click the button below to start your application.

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Community Board Application Form PDF Details

New York City has 59 community boards, each covering a specific geographic district across the five boroughs. These boards are made up of up to 50 volunteer members appointed by their borough president for two-year terms. Members advise city agencies on zoning decisions, land use proposals, budget requests, and the quality of local services ranging from sanitation to parks. Any resident or employee who is at least 18 years old and lives or works in the district may apply for a seat.

The form asks for complete personal and employment details, a list of potential conflicts of interest, and a description of your past community involvement. You are also asked to identify which board committees interest you and why you would be an effective member. Applicants from all professional backgrounds are encouraged. The form must be notarized before submission, and all responses are subject to disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law.

Voluntary demographic information at the end of the form helps borough presidents achieve diverse, representative boards. After submitting to the borough president's office, you may be invited for an interview and appointments are typically announced in spring. New members often find it useful to review standard civic documents ahead of their first meeting, including a board meeting minutes template and a board resolution form, to understand how formal decisions are recorded.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Community Board Application Form
Form Length	4 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	1 min
Other names	2018 community board application form, community board application, community board 12 application, brooklyn borough president community

How to Edit Community Board Application Form Online for Free

How to Fill Out the NYC Community Board Application Form

Open the PDF in FormsPal's online editor and work through each section in order. Start with your personal details including full name, home address, and contact information. Move to the employment section and list your current job title and employer. In the community involvement section, describe your volunteer work, civic participation, or any neighborhood advocacy you have taken part in. Conclude with a short statement explaining why you would be an effective board member and which committees match your interests. When all fields are complete, sign the form in front of a notary and deliver or mail it to your borough president's office before the annual application deadline.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Any person who lives or works in the community district is eligible to serve on its local board, provided they are at least 18 years old. Active New York City employees may also serve, so long as they do not sit on a board that oversees or contracts with their department. There are no educational or income requirements. Boards are meant to reflect the full range of residents in each neighborhood, so applicants from all professions and backgrounds are welcomed.

When and Where to Submit

The main application period opens in January and runs through March in most boroughs, with appointments announced in spring. If you miss the deadline, many borough presidents accept rolling applications to fill mid-year vacancies, though spots are limited. Submit your completed, notarized form directly to your borough president's office by mail or in person. For follow-up board work after you are appointed, our board meeting minutes template and board resolution form can help you document decisions properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to boards in more than one district?
You may submit applications to multiple districts, but you can only serve on one board at a time. The borough president will evaluate your suitability for each district you list.

Is this form available to fill out online?
Yes. FormsPal lets you open, complete, and save the community board application as a PDF without needing additional software or a printer.

Are community board members paid?
No. Membership is entirely voluntary and unpaid. The city provides each board with staff support and a modest discretionary budget to fulfill its advisory duties.

How long does the application review take?
The borough president's office reviews all applications received during the open window and typically notifies applicants of appointment decisions in late spring, two to three months after the deadline.