Community Board Application 2026

Community Board Application 2026
Welcome

Thank you for your interest in serving and representing your neighborhood on one of Manhattan’s Community Boards.

As a former Community Board member myself (10 years, 3 as Chair), I know how important this position is.

As indicated below, in order to be considered, a complete application must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm Friday, February 27, 2026. In the weeks following submission of a completed application, my staff will contact you regarding the group interview process. Appointments will be announced in the spring of 2026.

Please be aware that the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) may allow for public review of this application upon request.

Learn more about Community Boards here.

Thank you for your interest in serving and representing your neighborhood on one of Manhattan's 12 Community Boards. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Manhattan Borough President
Image Source: New York City Community Boards
Instructions

Please review all of the application questions ahead of time. Please answer all questions with an asterisk(*). It is recommended you copy and paste your essay responses from a separate document into the corresponding fields in the application. Additionally, please have your resume or short bio prepared to upload as part of this online application. Please complete this application without the use of AI.

If appointed, the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) may require disclosure of all or part of this application upon request.

*Please note that this application is available in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. Click the icon at the top right to view in your preferred language.

In order to be considered for appointment, a complete application must be submitted online no later than 5:00 pm Friday, February 27, 2026.

Please have your resume available to upload and attach as a .pdf, .doc, or .docx document as it is required to successfully submit the application. If your resume is not available, a short bio can be submitted instead.

Please note that upon successful submission of your application, you will receive an automated email receipt from "Office of Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal" noreply@jotform.com. This will be your application confirmation. Please check your Spam folder for this email and contact the office if you do not receive your receipt.

Following the submission deadline and an internal review process, my staff will contact you regarding next steps, which may include an interview. Appointments will be announced in late spring.

If you have any questions or issues with accessing, completing, or submitting this application, please email cbapps@manhattanbp.nyc.gov or call (212) 669-8300 prior to the deadline.
Please upload your resume or short bio in .pdf, .doc, or.docx format. Your resume/bio should include work and education history, special skills, and professional licenses, as well as relevant professional, civic or community involvement experience. If you are unable to upload your file, you may paste it in the textbox below.*

Cancelof
Please paste your resume or short bio here.
Please provide information for someone who can serve as a reference. Include name, contact details, and relationship. (Optional)
Applicant Contact Information and Eligibility
Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Pronouns *
Primary housing*
If you selected "other" for housing, please specify
Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Primary Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Email*
example@example.com
Emergency Contact's Name*
Emergency Contact's Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Community Board Eligibility
Application Type*

New Applicant (if you are not a current Board Member appointed by the Borough President to serve on a Community Board; current Public Members should select this option)Re-Appointment (if you are currently appointed by the Borough President to serve on a Community Board)
I am applying for membership on Community Board #
To look up your Community Board district, go to https://zola.planning.nyc.gov, enter your address in the search box, scroll down to Neighborhood Information, and enter this information into the application.
I am eligible to serve on this Community Board because: (select all that apply)*

I live in the districtI work in the districtI own a business in the districtI attend school in the districtI have a significant interest in the district (please explain below in pop-up box)
In what year were you first appointed?*
In which Community Board district do you live?*
To look up your Community Board district, go to https://zola.planning.nyc.gov, enter your address in the search box, scroll down to Neighborhood Information, and enter this information into the application.
In which Community Board district do you work?*
In which Community Board district do you own a business?*
If your eligibility is based on "work," "own a business," or "attend school" in the district, please provide the in-district address.*
If your eligibility is based on "significant interest" in the district, please provide a detailed explanation.*
How many years have you lived or been involved in the Community Board district to which you are applying?*
Community Involvement and Organizational Affiliations

Prior to seeking appointment, applicants are expected and encouraged to attend Community Board meetings, committee meetings, and/or Community Board Leadership trainings conducted by the Office of the Manhattan Borough President. Please also indicate any involvement in other community based organizations and groups.
In 2025, I ... (Please select all that apply)*

Attended several Community Full Board meetings.Attended several Community Board committee meetings.Served as a voting Public Member of a Committee appointed by the Community Board Chair.Served as a Task Force member appointed by the Community Board Chair.Visited the Community Board website to which I am applying.Read the Statement of District Needs for the Community Board to which I am applying.Visited the Manhattan Borough President's website.Participated in the Community Board Leadership Training Series.Attended Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings.Attended Community Education Council (CEC) meetings.Attended Block Association meetings.None of the above.Other
How many years have you lived in New York City?*
In which neighborhood do you reside?*
Please be as specific as possible.
Who is your City Council Member?*
How did you hear about the 2026 Community Board application?*
Employment and Professional Background
Please select all that apply:*

Private SectorNon-ProfitNYC EmployeeSelf-Employed/FreelanceBusiness OwnerUnion MemberState or Federal EmployeeStudentRetiredFamily ManagerUnemployedNot working by choiceOther
Are you a registered lobbyist?*

YesNo
Do you work for a city, state, or federal elected official?*

YesNo
Education (Select the highest level)*
Profession/ Occupation/ Field/ Professional Certifications & Licenses*
Type N/A, if not applicable.
Name of current employer/ business(es)/ school*
Type N/A, if not applicable.
Title/Position (if applicable)
Address of employer, business, or school (if applicable)
Name of Union and Local (if applicable)
To the best of your knowledge, are you employed by, or are a member of, any entity (e.g. business or non-profit) with proposals, programs, requests, applications, licenses, or any other matters that may come before a Community Board for review, funding, support, or approval during the next two (2) years? Please note Conflicts of Interest may occur from time to time, therefore it is required that you disclose and explain below.*

YesNo
If yes, please list the name of the entity and the nature of the interest.*
Demographic Profile (Optional)
Age*

16-17 years old (Must be 16 by time of application)18-19 years old20-29 years old30-39 years old40-49 years old50-59 years old60-69 years old70+ years oldPrefer Not to Answer
Gender Identification*

FemaleMaleGender Non-conformingPrefer Not to AnswerOther
Tell us how you identify? (select all that apply)*

African American / BlackCaribbeanLatina/o/e / HispanicEast Asian / South East Asian / Pacific IslanderEuropeanNative American / American IndianSouth West Asian (Middle Eastern) / North AfricanSouth AsianSub-Saharan AfricanWhitePrefer Not to AnswerOther
Is there any other background information you would like for us to know? (Please select all that apply).*

LGBTQIA+Parent / guardian of a pre-school aged childParent / guardian of a child (Pre-K to 12 grade)ImmigrantPerson with a disabilityVeteran / military serviceNon-native speaker of EnglishCaregiverPrefer not to answerNot Applicable
We are committed to appointing a representative board that reflects a cross section of the district. Therefore, you are welcome to add anything else you would like us to know about how you self-identify?
For example: pronouns to be used when addressing you.
Community Board Interest

Please rank the following issues in your community from 1 to 5 (1 being the most important and 5 being the least important)*

	1	2	3	4	5
Quality of Life
Education
Access to Arts and Culture
Housing
Affordability
Public Safety
Healthcare
Childcare
Small Businesses
Public Transit
Immigration

Airtable: Quality of Life Ranking
Airtable: Education Ranking
Airtable: Access to Arts and Culture Ranking
Airtable: Housing Ranking
Airtable: Affordability Ranking
Airtable: Public Safety Ranking
Airtable: Healthcare Ranking
Airtable: Childcare Ranking
Airtable: Small Business Ranking
Airtable: Public Transit Ranking
Airtable: Immigration Ranking
From the ranking above, what are the five most important issues to you and your community?*

Please rank the following elements would you consider important in evaluating a proposal to build a residential development in your neighborhood (1 being the most important).*

	1	2	3	4	5
# of overall residential units
# of affordable residential units
Open space and community facilities
Neighborhood context
Impact on existing infrastructure and/or schools

Airtable: # of overall residential units Ranking
Airtable: # of affordable residential units Ranking
Airtable: Open space and community facilities Ranking
Airtable: Neighborhood context Ranking
Airtable: Impact on existing infrastructure and/or schools Ranking
How do you typically travel around Manhattan?*

Public TransitWalkingBicyclePersonal vehicleTaxi/RideshareOther
Do you own a vehicle?*

YesNo
Community Board Renewal Application Short Essays
Question A: Describe two (2) important issues your Community Board or Committee addressed in 2024 and 2025. Why were they important to the community and how was this issue resolved? What role did you play?*
Community Board New Application Short Essays
Question A: Describe two (2) local community issues you believe your board should address in 2026. Please include facts to support your statement and whether these issues were addressed by the board in the past. How would you help the board address these issues? Please describe any relevant skills, knowledge or other experiences you would bring to addressing these issues.*
Question B: Please list any current or past boards or groups in which you are, or have been, active. (This can include parent/neighborhood/block/tenant associations, faith groups, member clubs, fraternal organizations, Community Advisory Boards, Community Education Councils, civic groups, nonprofits, alumni associations and school groups)*
Certification Statements

Indicate your acknowledgement to each certification statement below.
I am a New York City resident who lives, works, owns a business, attends school or have some other significant interest in the district of the Community Board to which I am applying. I have accurately indicated my age in this application, or I am over the age of 18. If appointed, I understand it is my responsibility to promptly notify the Office of the Manhattan Borough President (MBPO) of any changes in my residence, employment, school enrollment, or any other factor that would affect my eligibility for Community Board membership as outlined in New York Charter section 2800. I understand that failure to do so could result in my removal from the Board.*

YesNo
I am not employed by the State or City of New York in a position at or above the level of Assistant Commissioner (or equivalent title). If employed in such a capacity, I have secured a mayoral waiver allowing me to serve on a Community Board and will provide a copy to the MBPO. If I am employed by the City of New York in any capacity, I have clearly indicated this in the Employment section of this application.*

YesNo
If appointed, I hereby commit to attending the mandated general board meetings and other trainings, hearings, committee meetings, or other meetings as required by the New York City Charter and my Community Board's by-laws.*

YesNo
I am fully aware that Community Board membership requires my regular in-person attendance and participation at Board meetings, meetings of committees to which I will be assigned, and public hearings that may be convened. I am both willing and able to make this commitment of time and effort to serve my community. Excessive absences and/or persistent non-participation in full board, committee meetings and tasks will constitute cause for my removal from the Board.*

YesNo
I am fully aware that Community Board membership requires that I participate in mandatory trainings on Conflicts of Interest, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Combatting Implicit Bias, which can be offered through the Manhattan Borough President's Office or organized through my individual Community Board. I will attend any other additional trainings that may be required by the MBPO and I understand that failure to do so could result in my removal from the Board.*

YesNo
I agree to abide by all New York City Conflict of Interest laws. In all my Community Board activities, I will seek to adhere to the principals of good government, honesty, accountability, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest, both perceived and actual.*

YesNo
I acknowledge that demographic data contained in this application will be made public in an aggregated and anonymized form.*

YesNo
I hereby affirm that all information in this application is complete, truthful, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I hereby authorize the Office of the Manhattan Borough President to take all necessary steps to verify the accuracy of the foregoing statements and representations. I further agree to cooperate with said Office in any verification efforts.*

YesNo
I have read and agree to all of the Certification Statements above.*
To indicate your agreement to the terms outlined above, please type your name in lieu of a signature.
Should be Empty:

Community Board Application 2026

Welcome

Instructions

Applicant Contact Information and Eligibility

Community Board Eligibility

Community Involvement and Organizational Affiliations

Employment and Professional Background

Demographic Profile (Optional)

Community Board Interest

Community Board Renewal Application Short Essays

Community Board New Application Short Essays

Certification Statements