Neighborhood Council System
Established in 1999 to keep city government responsive to the many communities of Los Angeles. Today, 99 councils each serve about 40,000 people.
Community history
Where we come from, in our own words.
A cultural and civic history section, built to grow with the community. Some entries below are placeholders and will be verified with ECWA and community historians.
ECWA Origins
ECWA grew out of the "Campaign for a New Eighth District" initiated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas on January 23, 1992. Certified March 23, 2002.
Leimert Park Cultural Context
Placeholder copy, to be verified with community historians. Leimert Park is widely regarded as a cultural center of Black Los Angeles, home to art galleries, drum circles, jazz venues, and independent bookstores.
Baldwin Hills & Crenshaw Community Context
Placeholder copy, to be verified. Baldwin Hills is home to one of the largest concentrations of middle- and upper-income Black households in the United States. Crenshaw has been a spine of civic, cultural, and political life for generations.
Civic Participation
Neighborhood Councils are advisory bodies with annual budgets funded by taxpayer dollars. Their power comes from participation.
Community Memory
This section is designed to grow. Over time it can hold oral histories, archival documents, photography, and reflections from stakeholders.