According to the revised City Charter adopted by voters in 1999, the purpose of neighborhood councils is to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs.

The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council (CNC) is an official advisory body of the City of Los Angeles. Its purpose is to provide an open forum for public discussion, advise the City on local and citywide issues, and support projects that improve the physical, social, and cultural life of Chatsworth.

CNC:

• Holds public meetings to discuss community issues and City policies

• Advises City departments and elected officials on matters affecting Chatsworth

• Supports community improvement projects and events

• Helps connect stakeholders with City services and resources

All work is advisory to the City and focused on improving quality of life in the Chatsworth area.

Anyone who meets the City’s definition of a stakeholder for the Chatsworth area can be a member of the Neighborhood Council community and participate in its activities. Neighborhood Council membership is open to all stakeholders, not just homeowners.

You are a stakeholder of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council if:

1. You live, work, or own real property within the CNC boundaries, or

2. You are a “Community Interest Stakeholder,” meaning you are a member of or participate in a qualifying Community Organization that has a physical address in the CNC area for at least one year and provides an ongoing benefit to the community.

For-profit entities do not count as Community Organizations under this rule.

[The definition of “Stakeholder” and its related terms are defined by City Ordinance and cannot be changed without City Council action. See Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 22.801.1]

CNC is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 21 at-large stakeholder representatives.

• All Board seats are open to any stakeholder who is at least 18 years old

• No single stakeholder group is allowed to hold a majority of the seats, unless the City Department approves an exception

• A quorum is 11 Board members, and official actions are taken by majority vote of those present and voting, unless a higher threshold is specified in the bylaws

The Board elects officers, including a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Neighborhood councils are created under the Los Angeles City Charter and the “Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils.”

In general, a community:

• Organizes stakeholders

• Develops proposed boundaries and bylaws

• Applies to the City for certification

Once certified, the council becomes part of the City’s official Neighborhood Council system and operates under City rules, its approved bylaws, and the Brown Act.

Instead of traditional elections, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council uses a selection process that is held every year under City rules.

• All 21 Board seats are selected at large

• Any CNC stakeholder who is at least 18 years old may run for a Board seat

• Any CNC stakeholder who is at least 16 years old on selection day may vote

The selection is conducted according to the CNC Selection Manual issued by the City.

The CNC covers a large area of the northwest San Fernando Valley within the City of Los Angeles. In general terms:

• North: Along the 118 Freeway and the Los Angeles City and County boundary

• East: The centerline of Corbin Avenue from the 118 Freeway to Nordhoff Street

• South: Nordhoff Street west to its termination, then extended to the City limit

• West: The western Los Angeles City limit between Nordhoff and the 118 Freeway

For the official map, see “Attachment A” in the CNC Bylaws.

• 21 at-large Board seats

• All are selected positions

• Each has a two year staggered term

• Stakeholders 18 or older can run, and stakeholders 16 or older can vote

All stakeholders vote for all open seats, not separate “district” or “category” seats.

The Board is required to meet at least once every calendar quarter. In practice, most neighborhood councils meet more often, usually monthly, depending on workload. All meetings are open to the public and follow the Brown Act and City posting rules.

You can be heard by:

• Attending Board and committee meetings and speaking during public comment

• Emailing the Board or specific Board members

• Working with a Board member or committee to bring an item forward for discussion

Every regular Board meeting includes an opportunity for public comment on both agenda items and non agenda items that are within CNC’s jurisdiction.

The President and/or Secretary, or their designees, are responsible for planning the agenda. If you want a specific item on the agenda:

1. Contact the CNC Board or the appropriate committee chair in advance

2. Clearly explain the topic and what you are asking CNC to do

3. Be prepared to provide supporting information and attend the meeting

Final decisions on agenda content are made by the Board leadership within Brown Act and City rules.

There are a few ways to get involved:

• Run for a Board seat during the next CNC selection if you are a stakeholder age 18 or older

• Vote in CNC selections if you are a stakeholder age 16 or older

• Join a committee as a stakeholder member

• Regularly attend meetings and participate in public comment

Committee membership rules and appointment methods are described in the Board Rules and in the committees article of the bylaws.

Yes, if you want your group’s concerns to reach the City in an official way.

Community Organizations (such as schools, houses of worship, and nonprofits) qualify their members as “Community Interest Stakeholders,” which means your voice counts in CNC selections and decisions. Getting involved with CNC lets your group’s needs and projects be heard by City departments and elected officials.

Yes. The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (often called “DONE” or “the Department”) is the main City agency that oversees neighborhood councils. The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners sets many NC policies, and the Office of the City Clerk often runs NC elections or selections.

CNC must also follow City laws such as the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Ethics Ordinance, and the City’s Code of Conduct policies.

The bylaws require CNC to maintain an Outreach Committee. The Board can also create standing and ad hoc committees to focus on areas like land use, public safety, transportation, or community services.

Committee creation, membership, and procedures are governed by the bylaws and Board Rules.

Call 3-1-1 for City Services.

You can also use the City’s 3 1 1 website or phone app if you prefer online or mobile reporting.

Call 3-1-1 for City Services.

The operator or online system will route you to the correct City department for recycling, bulky item pickup, and related services.