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Neighborhood Council and NC 2021 Elections Super Thread: We are officially 1 week away from the 1st candidate filing deadline of the 2021 Neighborhood Council (NC) elections. 1/
To coincide w/my @JIMBO_TIMES interview now available here ( https://twitter.com/JIMBO_TIMES/status/1341084653684441090), I wanted to share what I hope is some useful information. One note about the background: It’s probably best suited for people with medium understanding of NCs. 2/
Rather than bury the lede, I want to start with why this is such critical timing. @JIMBO_TIMES happens to be from the E. Hollywood area, which is in Region 5 and has the first filing deadline on 12/28. Each week after, there'll be another regional candidate filing deadline. 3/
I’ll explain more about all of this, but just know these deadlines are coming fast! You can find them by region here: https://clerk.lacity.org/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/election-timeline-regions 4/
I plan to update this thread regularly and I encourage people to drop questions, resources, and updates of their own. I’ll do my best to answer questions and ensure accuracy, but we should always double check with the election admins on the technical stuff. 5/
OK, now for some background so you can know where I'm coming from. If you want to jump ahead to when I start talking about NC elections, go right to tweet 64 (yikes!). 6/
There've been countless ways people have described and explained NCs. Here’s a great one from a community source @LAPaysAttention: https://twitter.com/LAPaysAttention/status/1290879505792262145 7/
If you want the "official" description of NCs, you can find it here from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE): https://empowerla.org/about-neighborhood-councils/ 8/
From my perspective, as someone who once served as an Independent Election Administrator for NC elections and recently as a Neighborhood Council Advocate at DONE, I could probably write a 100 pages on this, but I’ll give my best, relatively brief who, what, why, how of NCs. 9/
Why do NCs exist?
NCs exist, in large part, because LA City is huge and it’s governed by only 15 City Councilmembers that have historically refused to share their power equitably with community groups and residents that have been demanding such things for decades. 10/
NCs exist, in large part, because LA City is huge and it’s governed by only 15 City Councilmembers that have historically refused to share their power equitably with community groups and residents that have been demanding such things for decades. 10/
LA has arguably the most powerful City Council in the country. (Maybe not pound-for-pound; Vernon comes to mind.) When it comes to having a say over what happens in their districts and in the lives of LA’s 4 million residents, they have a huge impact. 11/
So where do NCs fit in? NCs were created, in part, as a response to specific demands to actually change the power structure (e.g. by adding more City Council members or curbing formal powers like the ability to approve land-use exemptions, etc.). 12/
Over time, how NCs have operated (along w/the fact that NCs were created at all while these more systemic changes were not dealt with) has led many to believe that creating NCs did no more than placate a large swath of people who didn’t know what change was really needed. 13/
This would have been a fair critique even at the inception of NCs, but it did not have to play out as it has and there is always a chance to make them better for the future. 14/
So, to recap the "why": NCs were created (and now exist), in theory, to flatten the power structure in LA City government and make it more accessible to everyday people. For many reasons, NCs very clearly have not helped us get closer to achieving this goal. 15/
I’m happy to get into why that is, but, as I said, this does not mean they cannot do that in the future. 16/
What are NCs? NCs are quasi-government bodies (insert a million asterisks here) made up entirely of volunteers. Some volunteers serve as formal board members (either elected by voters or appointed by other board members). 17/
Others serve as committee members, liaisons, or representatives, all of whom are only ever appointed by board members and often require less time commitment. 18/
There are 99 NCs throughout LA City proper (i.e. they don’t cover independent cities like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and others nearby). 19/
Each NC has slightly different rules, structures, and board seats, but they are all bound by a “hierarchy of laws” from the US Constitution on down to NC bylaws. 20/
Contrary to how NCs are often described, they do not report to, and are not subordinate to, any City entity (e.g. the Mayor, City Council, or DONE). They are, like City Council, beholden only to the stakeholders/voters they serve. 21/
Like City Council, their actions and goals are constrained by a big City bureaucracy (most notably, DONE) and the Office of City Attorney, each of which have the ability to stifle NC actions if they don’t comport w/the aforementioned hierarchy of laws. 22/
Unlike City Council, NCs do not have their own staff (at least in any meaningful sense) and, except for their own very modest budgets (recently as little as $32K/year), they cannot command or direct City resources (including employees). 23/
This means that for them to do their work, they have to rely almost entirely on themselves and other volunteers. 24/
How do NCs work?
One way for us to think about this is, How do NCs effect change? If you’ve read up until this point, first of all thanks! 25/
One way for us to think about this is, How do NCs effect change? If you’ve read up until this point, first of all thanks! 25/
But this is as good a time as ever to talk about an important assumption one has to accept to understand how I think NCs work and whether you might find my framing useful in general or for you in particular (perhaps as a candidate). 26/
That assumption is you must believe in the utility and exercise of informal or “soft” power. 27/
For example, if someone asked you if the Vice President of the US is powerful (in general), what would you say? If your answer is no, then you should leave now. The NC system is probably not for you. 28/
If you’re the kind of person who thinks that formal or “hard” power is the be-all and end-all (that all you value is that tie-breaking vote in the Senate!), then you will find NCs endlessly frustrating and they are absolutely not worth your time. 29/
That’s because NCs are 99.9% about soft power. This means that their ability to effect change as a unit, and your ability to use them effectively as an individual, is almost entirely dependent on how you leverage the informal levers of power NCs give you access to. 30/
Examples of soft power in the NC system are credibility, networks, and public pressure via convening power granted to NCs by the Brown Act (more on this specific facet later). 31/
If I were to draw you a flow chart depicting where NCs fit into the decision-making process (or hierarchy?), there’s a real temptation to put them at the beginning (or bottom?) of that process. 32/
This framing implies that their role in (and, perhaps, influence on) the process is all done and away with by the time the process reaches the “real” decision makers. This is wrong. 33/
In practice, NCs and their influence on the decision-making process can appear at every stage of deliberation. (I would love to depict this graphically, but I’m a terrible [digital] graphic artist, sorry!) 34/
If you’re familiar with NCs, you’ve probably heard they don’t make final decisions on City policy or actions, they are just advisory. This is correct. 35/
It’s easy to lament how unfortunate that is for NCs, but it’s better, imo, to recognize the fact that there are many opportunities to influence the process. But you have to be willing to create and use your power. 36/
Per the City Charter, NCs have been tasked with a mandate to “promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs.” 37/
Even the most benign reading of this (nebulous) language necessarily implies that the government is often (and I use that word charitably) NOT responsive to local needs.
So what dynamic does this create for NCs? 38/
So what dynamic does this create for NCs? 38/
Well, one reading of things (a view I hold along with many others, including many of the founders of this system) is that NCs are *supposed* to be a counterbalance to the all-powerful City Council. They are *supposed* to be their adversaries. 39/
This is generally not how NCs have functioned over the last 2 decades, with many NCs supporting their City Council members wholesale and even some carrying water for their agendas. 40/
Sure, NCs *can* partner with them and align with them, depending on the situation, but it's certainly not supposed to be a system where NCs are subservient to City Council or government agencies that are often biased towards the City Council that determines their budgets. 41/
So, the short answer to the question of How do NCs effect change? They have to be willing to challenge existing power structures. If they’re not doing that, then they’re perpetuating a very precarious and, frankly, immoral status quo. 42/
Because it fits neatly under the "how" of NCs, a quick note on the Brown Act: The Brown Act is a California law that guarantees the public's right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies, including NCs. 43/
It has other provisions that govern communications between local elected officials, but the open meetings facet is the most relevant here. 44/
If you ask an NC board member what they think of the Brown Act, 99% of them will tell you 99% of the time (when they aren’t feeling particularly civic-minded) they view it as an onerous obligation that they just have to put up with. 45/
They are mostly right that abiding by the Brown Act is tedious (especially the ways in which the City Attorney tends to rigidly interpret it--at least for NCs). 46/
However, the Brown Act actually endows NCs with one of their most important powers: their public convening power. Put another way: The Brown Act is what separates NCs from Homeowners Associations (HOAs). 47/
Whereas HOAs provide no guarantee that the public is welcome to attend their meetings or that, once they attend, they will be heard, the Brown Act explicitly guarantees that NCs must provide such opportunities. Again, for many, this seems like a burden. 48/
But it’s actually a very good thing. When the NC calls a meeting, it’s inviting the whole community. That implicit invitation is one of the few advantages NCs have over non-government organizations. 49/
The Brown Act has plenty of other facets worth discussing, including many things that make it non-conducive to doing all kinds of work (especially as it has been applied to NCs), but this was one angle I thought worth calling out. 50/
Who are the people who make up the NC system?
Okay, finally, this is where we start circling back to elections. You already know that NCs themselves are made up entirely of volunteers, but what kind of volunteers? 51/
Okay, finally, this is where we start circling back to elections. You already know that NCs themselves are made up entirely of volunteers, but what kind of volunteers? 51/
I’ll start by saying that, on paper, the NC system offers what is arguably the most inclusive form of democracy this side of the galaxy. 52/
Their rules are as such that they allow for people to serve (and vote!) regardless of their citizenship status and felony conviction status. And most NCs allow people to serve as young as 16, with one NC (at one time) allowing for youth reps to serve as young as 12! 53/
Traditionally, NCs have been dominated by residents of a given NC, many of whom are, disproportionately, the well-to-do, home-owning residents. 54/
This makes a lot of intuitive sense. The people who have the most interest in affecting (and let’s be honest, it’s often “protecting”) their neighborhood are usually people who have a significant stake in it. 55/
That wealthy people want to protect their wealth is not surprising. This dominance by homeowners is one of many reasons why people have accused NCs of being glorified HOAs. 56/
Ultimately, though, what’s the difference between someone who’s lived in a community for 25 years as a homeowner or 25 years as a renter? Short answer = Wealth. 57/
Both groups have significant stakes in their communities and both care about them, but wealth affords homeowners the opportunity and capacity to participate in NCs at much higher rates.
This doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t have to be this way. 58/
This doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t have to be this way. 58/
Renters and unhoused residents often can serve in most of the same seats occupied by homeowners. And I'd argue we have a democratic imperative to demand they serve at rates at least commensurate with their numbers in the NC area more generally. 59/
This *could* help ensure the perspectives of those most often marginalized are better heard in this system and at City Hall. 60/
NCs also have significant numbers of seats open to people who have other, non-resident stakes in their communities, such as employees, business owners, and volunteers. 61/
All NCs are required to have at least one seat that is open to all stakeholder types. (It’s usually called the “community interest” seat, but it can also be an at-large seat or some other name.) 62/
The existence and number of these seats on a given NC have created some interesting NC elections, sometimes resulting in “takeovers” by those who organized specifically on behalf of special interests like a business or a charter school. 63/
NC Elections
Now what about NC elections? NC elections are administered by LA City Clerk. This means they are the ones you’re working with to file as a candidate for, or vote in, NC elections. They also have the final decision-making authority over election disputes. 64/
Now what about NC elections? NC elections are administered by LA City Clerk. This means they are the ones you’re working with to file as a candidate for, or vote in, NC elections. They also have the final decision-making authority over election disputes. 64/
However, DONE and the City Attorney play important roles as well, including, but not limited to: 1) Helping City Clerk sort out inconsistencies in bylaws (which affect who is eligible to run for certain seats, among other things); 65/
2) Recruiting panel members to hear and decide election disputes; and, perhaps most importantly, 3) Promoting NC elections so people actually know they’re happening. 66/
City Clerk does not really have a dedicated outreach effort for NC elections so most of the work falls on DONE and individual NCs to do this. 67/
Eligibility to Run as a Candidate
First things first, you have to find your NC. You can do that here: https://empowerla.org/city-map/ 68/
First things first, you have to find your NC. You can do that here: https://empowerla.org/city-map/ 68/
Second, you should research your NC’s bylaws, which you can find here: https://lacity.quickbase.com/db/bn9g6crpq?a=q&qid=5 69/
Your NC’s bylaws will describe what qualifications you need for a given seat. This information is found in each bylaws’ “Attachment B”. It isn’t always clear. 70/
City Clerk does a good job of prompting you throughout the candidate filing process for what you need to satisfy the given requirements. If you aren’t sure, just ask and they'll help. https://clerk.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph606/f/2021_NC_List_of_Election_Administrators.pdf 71/
Some important things to remember upfront:
1) Your residence is just one way to establish stakeholder status. Depending on the seat type, you may also qualify based on where you work, where you go to school, even where you volunteer, among other things. 72/
1) Your residence is just one way to establish stakeholder status. Depending on the seat type, you may also qualify based on where you work, where you go to school, even where you volunteer, among other things. 72/
2) Some NCs have subdistricts, so if you want to run for one of those seats, you’ll have to do more research about which one you qualify for.
3) ALL NCs are required to have at least one seat that is open to all stakeholder types. 73/
3) ALL NCs are required to have at least one seat that is open to all stakeholder types. 73/
4) You should find the seat that best suits your vision, both as an area of focus (e.g. as a “Business Rep”, if applicable to your NC) and who you may want to run with (e.g. as a slate). 74/
Some notes relevant to your campaign and getting out the vote.
Being registered to vote with LA County (i.e. for “regular elections”) does NOT automatically prove you are eligible to run for a seat or even vote in your NC’s elections. 75/
Being registered to vote with LA County (i.e. for “regular elections”) does NOT automatically prove you are eligible to run for a seat or even vote in your NC’s elections. 75/
Unfortunately, the separate systems don't communicate with one another, so you have to submit qualifications to the LA City Clerk to prove your eligibility to vote or run for a seat. 76/
In past NC elections, voter registration was almost always done in-person, on election day, at polling sites (online voting and the very rare vote-by-mail elections excepted). Pre-registration has rarely been used. 77/
However, because this election will be entirely vote-by-mail, everyone will have to pre-register and prove their voter eligibility (which varies by NC and by ballot type--not all voters get the same ballots, depending on your stakeholder status) to receive a VBM ballot. 78/
Another VERY important note about NC voting: Voter registration does not carry over from election to election. This means you have to re-register every election. 79/
This is a huge pain for voters who have to prove their eligibility every election cycle, but, for better or worse, there are legitimate reasons they have to do this. 80/
I have *many* thoughts on how this can be improved, with small compromises, but that’s a conversation for another thread. 81/
Key Dates
NC election dates are separated by region. This means there are different dates for voting deadlines (remember, it's all vote-by-mail, so the election date is really an election window with a final deadline), candidate filing dates, certification dates, etc. 82/
NC election dates are separated by region. This means there are different dates for voting deadlines (remember, it's all vote-by-mail, so the election date is really an election window with a final deadline), candidate filing dates, certification dates, etc. 82/
City Clerk presents info in a way ostensibly to focus people on their regional deadlines, but it also makes it hard to find info in one place. You can find your region here:
https://clerk.lacity.org/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/election-timeline-regions 83/
https://clerk.lacity.org/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/election-timeline-regions 83/
City Clerk's reasoning for separating the elections by region (rather than holding everything on the same dates) is ultimately administrative, claiming they need to extend out the dates to make the elections easier to manage. 84/
On the other hand, one could argue if they had the resources, they could easily manage this process with one set of dates, so it's ultimately about whether or not they ask for, and then receive those resources. 85/
As I mentioned, these dates are coming up fast, so if you're considering running, get started now. 86/
Some practical advice on this front:
While the filing deadlines are hard deadlines--meaning if it just occurred to you on December 29th that you want to run for the E Hollywood NC, you'd be out of luck. 87/
While the filing deadlines are hard deadlines--meaning if it just occurred to you on December 29th that you want to run for the E Hollywood NC, you'd be out of luck. 87/
However, City Clerk is extremely accommodating when it comes to extenuating circumstances and they will work with you if you're having issues. Their technology is not foolproof and they recognize that. 88/
(On that front, they also offer paper candidate filing apps, but, imo, those leave too much room for error and you should opt for online whenever possible.) 89/
For example, if it's close to the deadline and you lose access to the internet, you can reliably call City Clerk during business hours and tell them you want to start the process and they will help you, even if you can't file yourself through the portal. 90/
Also, sometimes, just an email explaining your circumstances (preferably well in advance of the deadline) can go a long way in providing the leeway you need. 91/
The most important thing to note about this deadline is that it represents the date at which you must signal your intention to run. They give you 3 days to produce the actual qualifying documents to prove you're eligible to run. So you have a window to get stuff together. 92/
They'll work with you here as well.
A list of "acceptable documentation" can be found here in the 2021 NC Elections Documentation Guide : https://clerk.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph606/f/Attachment_C_2021_NC_Election_Documentation_Guide.pdf 93/
A list of "acceptable documentation" can be found here in the 2021 NC Elections Documentation Guide : https://clerk.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph606/f/Attachment_C_2021_NC_Election_Documentation_Guide.pdf 93/
When the City Clerk says they "reserve the right to accept identification or documents not included in this guide", know that they mean it. They are not trying to be vague. They will genuinely work with you to find a way to prove what you're saying is true. That's it. 94/
If you later realize you don't actually want to run, you can withdraw your name any time during a ~2-week window after candidate filing closes. If you miss that deadline, it's honestly no big deal. The worst thing that happens is usually modest embarrassment. 95/
The last thing I'll say is that, even with all its shortcomings, I genuinely want you to consider running for your NC. I especially want you to consider running if any of the following describes you: 96/
1) You are genuinely looking to promote policies that shift power towards the people who desperately need it right now. There is definitely not enough of this in NCs, so we need more people who are looking to create real change. 97/
2) You can navigate existing power structures with confidence. These environments are intimidating, so the more familiar you are with them, the more likely you'll be able to achieve #1. 98/
A very important caveat here: This quality doesn't only apply to people with tons of experience. This CAN be learned, whether very quickly on the job or even before you take your seat. Shout out to @LosAngelesFWD and others for their NC education! 99/
3) You can confidently *assert* your power against those trying desperately to preserve the status quo, which is obviously not working for the vast majority. 100/
The big caveat about this one: Remember, we're talking almost exclusively about soft power, so you must recognize that limitation/opportunity. If you expect to use the formal power structures to change things, then you're going to get incredibly disillusioned quickly. 101/
If those qualities describe you, don't hesitate for a second to hit me up with any questions or for advice. I would be more than happy to help. If it doesn't describe you, please consider looking elsewhere for support. 102/
We need real change and I plan to dedicate my limited resources to those who are seeking it. Thanks for reading! 103/
