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Pat Brown Institute Public Policy Lecture Series (2004, No. 4)

June 2, 2004

Neighborhood Councils In Los Angeles: The Impact and Influence on Planning in Minority Neighborhoods

Dr. David R. Diaz
Chicana/o Studies Dept., and Urban Studies & Planning Dept.
California State University Northridge

The Neighborhood Council (NC) system was a structural component of the Charter Reform movement in Los Angeles that resulted in the adoption of a new city charter through the initiative process in 1999. This aspect of the charter was considered crucial in relation to developing public support for charter reform and substantially enhance the capability of neighborhoods to directly impact the land use and planning process, specifically, and city policy in general. Thus, NC’s presented the public with a significant level of influence, mandated by the charter, to engage in community revitalization and planning.

This process, to date, has had mixed results. A major issue is racism with the planning structure of the city, the limited actual advisory powers of these citizen panels, and the problems with implementation. The NC system is entering its second phase, consolidation and activism. The maturing of the system is potentially an important arena for minority communities to assume a significant, influential role in the planning and revitalization process. However, the impacts have not achieved the promise. Will this change in the short term future?