Flor Chaidez Appointed to the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners |
We are excited to share that in September, Flor Chaidez was officially sworn in to the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners. Representing the East Los Angeles Area Neighborhood Councils, Commissioner Chaidez will bring firsthand knowledge and experience to her role. Commissioner Chaidez has served as the Social Justice Director and President of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, where she facilitated community dialogues, workshops, town halls, candidate forums, donation drives, and other events to support the Eagle Rock and East Los Angeles community. As a Board of Neighborhood Commissioner, she looks forward to bringing the same diplomacy, collaboration, and commitment to service that have guided her throughout her many years of community leadership. |
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Celebrating Neighborhood Council Excellence at the Joy P. Atkinson Awards Ceremony |
On September 22, 2026, EmpowerLA was honored to join the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners for the first Joy P. Atkinson Neighborhood Council Excellence Awards Ceremony. Previously known as the EmpowerLA Awards, the Joy P. Atkinson Neighborhood Council Excellence Awards honor the legacy of the late Joy P. Atkinson, President Emeritus of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, and recognizes civic leadership across the Neighborhood Council system. This year, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners recognized Pacoima, North Hollywood Northeast, Historic Highland Park, Mid City, North Westwood, and Los Feliz Neighborhood Councils for their dedication to promoting greater civic participation in government and making government more responsive to local needs. EmpowerLA joins the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners in celebrating these accomplishments, and in honoring the legacy of late Commission President Emeritus Atkinson. |
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Mar Vista Community Council Connects with Neighbors |
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The Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) hosted a well-attended Meet & Greet at the Mar Vista Branch Library to connect with their neighbors. Members of the EmpowerLA team joined MVCC board and committee members, and community members, for an afternoon of learning, networking, and planning. The gathering featured a presentation from MVCC President Charlene Samiley, who gave an overview of the role of Neighborhood Councils, their impact, and how to get involved. Members of the community were invited to provide input on what is working well in Mar Vista and what can be improved. The event provided MVCC with valuable connections and community input to move forward! |
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12 Neighborhood Councils are celebrating an anniversary in October!  Join us in congratulating the following Neighborhood Councils for their tireless dedication to improving their communities: - Historic Cultural North Neighborhood Council (8 years of service)
- Northridge West Neighborhood Council (22 years of service)
- West Los Angeles Sawtelle Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Del Rey Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (24 years of service)
- Encino Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Reseda Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Hollywood United Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Arleta Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Studio City Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
- Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (23 years of service)
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A Day of Civic and Community Engagement at the 2026 Congress of Neighborhoods |
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At the end of September, hundreds of Angelenos came together for a day of civic connection, workshops, and inspiration. EmpowerLA’s General Manager Carmen Chang was thrilled to join Neighborhood Council leaders, Mayor Karen Bass, Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, Board of Public Works President Steve Kang, Greater LA County Vector Control District Susanne Kluh, LA Sanitation & Environment General Manager Joone Kim-Lopez, and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hotchman, along with dozens of workshop presenters and resource fair participants. With topics ranging from sustainability to leadership development, emergency preparedness and land use, there was a conversation for everyone! EmpowerLA extends a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the Congress of Neighborhoods Planning Committee and all the volunteers who made this event possible. |
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Apply to Join the Southern California Association of Governments’ Future Leaders Initiative |
The Southern California Association of Governments’ Future Leaders Initiative is a six-month civic leadership program that helps emerging professionals build the knowledge, skills, and connections to engage in regional planning and civic decision-making. The program brings together diverse individuals who want to learn how regional and local governments work together to address complex challenges and create long-term change in Southern California. The program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about civic leadership, regional planning, public policy, and community engagement. No prior experience in these areas is required. Young adults interested in civic leadership and regional planning are highly encouraged to apply, regardless of experience or professional background. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. |
City of Los Angeles ADA Public Input Survey |
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The City of Los Angeles is in the process of updating its Citywide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. As part of that process, the City is asking for your input on the accessibility of City of Los Angeles programs, services, activities, facilities, and information. Please complete this survey to share your experiences and feedback. Your input will help the City understand what is working well and where accessibility improvements are needed. Please complete and submit this survey by Friday, October 30, 2026. |
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Your Voice, Your City: Get Ready for the 2026 General Municipal Election! |
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Local elections shape the future of our communities, and this November, Los Angeles voters have a powerful opportunity to make their voices heard. The upcoming ballot features many federal, state, and municipal contests depending on where you live. To help you make informed decisions, please review your Sample Ballot and the official City Voter Information Pamphlet. Be sure to check your voter registration status and register to vote by Monday, October 19, 2026, to receive your vote-by-mail ballot. Miss the deadline? You can register at a vote center and cast your ballot the same day. Voters are encouraged to send their vote-by-mail ballot as early as possible through USPS, at an official ballot drop box, or at any vote center throughout Los Angeles County. To find a ballot drop box or voting center near you, visit locator.lavote.gov. Early voting begins on Friday, October 24, 2026, all vote centers open on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. |
Get Involved in the Southeast Valley Community Plans Update |
In early November, the Southeast Valley Community Plans Update (SEV CPU) team will be releasing draft zoning, the Implementation Chapter of the Policy Documents, and topical handouts on the SEV CPU’s website. This will be the first time for the communities to review draft zoning. In tandem with the release, the SEV CPU team will be hosting three virtual Community Workshops:
To learn more about the updates of the SEV Community Plans and to provide feedback, visit the project website or email the SEV CPU team at [email protected]. |
Take the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates 2026 Community Quality of Life Survey |
The Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates want to hear from Angelenos like you! Share your thoughts about your neighborhood, and help the Budget Advocates identify the issues, concerns, and priorities that matter most in your community. |
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Queer Histories and DIY Archiving Saturday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. | Central Library Branch | Los Angeles Public Library Celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month at the Los Angeles Public Library and learn how to preserve your community with a DIY archiving zine-making activity! The workshop begins with a brief show & tell presentation of materials from the founding and active members of the Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU), the first major Queer Latinx organization in the Los Angeles area, and Lesbianas Unidas. Attendees can then reflect & continue the conversation on memory-keeping, storytelling, and the affective impact of preserving and connecting with queer history while making their own zines. All materials will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required and space is limited. |
Palms Neighborhood Council Ice Cream Social & Emergency Preparedness Fair Saturday, October 17, 12:00 p.m. | Woodbine Park | Palms Neighborhood Council Palms Neighborhood Council is having an Ice Cream Social at Woodbine Park. Ice cream will be distributed by Sweet Cute, and the Community Emergency Response Team, Ready Your L.A. Neighborhood, Community Organized Relief Effort, Metro Bike Share, and Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) will all be tabling to share information and resources with the community about preparing your home and neighborhood for emergencies. |
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Studio City Neighborhood Council October Community Clean Up Sunday, October 18, 8:30 a.m. | Vitello’s Restaurant | Studio City Neighborhood Council Join Studio City Neighborhood Council for their monthly clean-up! Vests, gloves, bags, and grabbers will be provided. Give back, meet your neighbors, and stay after the clean-up for coffee and community time. |
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