What is a Neighborhood Council?
The Neighborhood Council system was established in 1999 as a way of ensuring that the city government remains responsive to the different needs and lifestyles of Los Angeles' rich variety of communities. Neighborhood Councils are advisory bodies with annual budgets funded by taxpayer dollars. Board members are city officials who are elected/appointed by those who live, work, or own property or a business in the community that a Council represents. They donate their time and service as volunteers. Currently, there are 99 Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles, each serving about 40,000 people.
How ECWA began
The Empowerment Congress West Neighborhood Development Council (ECWA) grew out of the "Campaign for a New Eighth District" initiated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas on January 23, 1992. ECWA was certified by the City of Los Angeles on March 23, 2002.
Who ECWA serves
ECWA serves residents, workers, property owners, business owners, artists, elders, youth, and community-interest stakeholders across Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw and adjacent neighborhoods.
How participation works
Anyone who lives, works, owns property, or has a substantial and ongoing community interest in the area is a stakeholder. Stakeholders can attend general meetings, submit public comment, run for a seat, or simply keep in touch through alerts and updates.
Why it matters
Neighborhood Councils advise the City on decisions that shape everyday life, land use, budgeting, cultural programming, and public safety. ECWA is one of the ways the West speaks up.
