Board Policies & Procedures
These policies guide how our Board operates in order to ensure transparency, fairness, accountability, and effective community representation.
1. Governing Laws & Authority
The Board operates under the Neighborhood Council Plan of the City of Los Angeles, the City Charter, and state law.
Meetings and procedures comply with the California Brown Act, which requires public notice, open meetings, agendas, and minutes.
The Board follows Robert’s Rules of Order (or another formally adopted rules of order) for conducting meetings, debating motions, making decisions, etc.
2. Board Composition & Roles
Board members are stakeholders, meaning residents, business owners, property owners, or service organizations in the defined boundaries.
There are executive officers, committee chairs, financial officers, and other roles, as required for governance and compliance.
All board members must complete required trainings (e.g. ethics, funding, code of conduct) as prescribed by the City/EmpowerLA.
3. Meeting Schedule, Agendas & Minutes
The Board meets monthly, on the fourth Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Committee meetings are held throughout the month. Agendas are posted in advance and are available to the public.
Minutes from Board and committee meetings are archived and made available to the public.
4. Decision‑Making & Voting
A quorum (majority of board members required by bylaws) must be present to conduct official business.
Motions and resolutions are proposed, discussed, and voted on in meetings that adhere to public notice requirements.
Stakeholders may provide public comment. Time for public testimony is allocated according to rules of order.
5. Conflict of Interest, Ethics & Conduct
Board members must adhere to a Code of Conduct governing behavior, civility, fairness, and respect.
Board members must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where required by law.
If Board members fail to meet responsibilities or violate policies, there are procedures for censure, removal, or other corrective action (in line with EmpowerLA or City policies).
6. Communications & Transparency
All communication regarding Council business—emails, social media, notices—should be clear, accurate, timely, and archived as required.
Digital communications policies (for newsletter, website, social media) follow City / EmpowerLA best practices.
Agendas, meeting notices, minutes, and policy documents are published online where stakeholders can access them.
7. Financial Oversight & Budget
The Board oversees an annual budget, funded via City allocations. All financial decisions must follow the funding guidelines laid out by the City / EmpowerLA.
Officers or designated financial officers must complete required financial training.
Expenditures, reimbursements, contracts must follow adopted procedures and documentation.
8. Amendments & Review
Board Policies & Procedures and bylaws are reviewed periodically (e.g. annually or as needed) to ensure they remain current, effective, and in compliance with law.
Amendments must be proposed, discussed, and adopted in a Board meeting with quorum, following notice requirements suitable for changes.