About CB1
Community Board 1
Community Board 1 (CB1) is one of New York’s 59 community boards. We are an advisory body with a formal role designated by the City Charter in matters such as land use, determining local budget priorities, and monitoring City service delivery.
CB1 has 50 appointed volunteer members who live or work in Lower Manhattan. Members are appointed by the Manhattan Borough President with half recommended by the City Council Member representing the 1st Council District. Additionally, the Board can appoint Public Members who serve and participate on just one committee.
Members serve on various committees with focuses on specific issues relevant to Lower Manhattan. Committee and Full Board meetings are generally held monthly, and meetings are open to the public.
Get Involved
Attend Meetings
Topic focused Committee Meetings are held each month. There is also a Public Session at the start of every Full Board meeting where the public can sign up to speak on any topic.
Join the Board
Apply to be a Community Board Member through the Manhattan Borough President’s Office (MBPO).
Learn More and Apply to be a Board Member ↗
Public Membership
Public membership is possible for people who regularly attend CB1 committee meetings. Applications will be reviewed by CB 1’s Chairperson on a rolling basis.
By-Laws
Revised November 21, 2019
Read the By-Laws of Manhattan Community Board 1
What is a community board?
Community boards are New York City’s most local form of government, established by local law in 1975 to represent the city’s 59 community districts. Each board serves as a vital link between residents and municipal agencies, providing a platform for active participation in the political process and adapting services to meet evolving community needs. Reflecting the city’s remarkable diversity, community districts range in size from under 900 acres to nearly 15,000 acres, and their populations vary from just over 50,000 to more than 200,000 residents.
Community boards advise on key issues such as land use, budget priorities, and city services, ensuring that local voices are heard in decisions that shape their neighborhoods. Boards consist of up to 50 volunteer unsalaried members who live, work, or have significant interests in the district, with members appointed by the Borough President in consultation with City Council Members. Regular meetings, open to the public, allow residents to engage with their board and participate in shaping their communities.
For more information, visit the Manhattan Borough President’s website.