Everything you need to know about the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC)

The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) is the closest form of government to the people. The DLANC Board of Directors consists of 24 elected seats representing over 100,000 stakeholders within five geographic areas of Downtown Los Angeles, representing various communities and interest categories.

The Board is composed of residential and business representatives from the Fashion District, South Park, Historic Core, City Center East, Civic Center/Financial

District; Social Services Providers; Homeless residents; as well as At-Large and Area Wide seats. DLANC board members are considered “volunteer City officials” elected every two years by the stakeholders who live, work, own property, or have an ongoing interest in the DLANC boundaries.

As an advisory body of the City of Los Angeles, DLANC advocates for the community on important issues like landuse development, homelessness resources, livability and quality of life issues, public safety and emergency preparedness, and issues pertaining to the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles. It also sponsors community events, holds public hearings, issues grant funding to non-profits and schools, and much more.

DLANC was certified as an approved City Neighborhood Council on April 27, 2002 and is currently one of 99 Neighborhood Councils officially chartered by the Los Angeles City government to ensure that the City government remains responsive to the different needs and lifestyles of Los Angeles’ wide variety of communities. The NC is governed by city-approved bylaws and has an annual budget funded by taxpayer dollars. It has five board officer positions, nine standing committees, appointed liaisons, and alternate board members.

Although an advisory body, DLANC has the authority to comment on city legislation and issue positions called “Community Impact Statements” (CIS) which are submitted to the City Council, City Boards & Commissions, Mayor, and City Departments. It also plays an essential role in reviewing and holding public hearings on real-estate development and land use cases for all major building projects and the issuing of alcohol, cannabis permits, and other Conditional Use Permits (CUPs). Board members also play a role in reviewing the creation of the annual City budget prior to its approval by the City Council.

Qualifications to VOTE for Area-Wide:

Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age and live, work or own property within DLANC boundaries (requires documentation).

Claudia Oliveira

Serving in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council has been a rewarding decision. Getting involved in local government during uncertain circumstances, hearing from constituents, helping Downtowners on matters that affected them directly, working with businesses to address policy changes, and doing community events and beautification projects are a few of the exhilarating experiences I got to be part of with others in this board. When I became President, my mission was to support everyone's leadership goals. I dedicated my efforts to leading with transparency and equity and focused on forging a collaborative environment. Downtown has had many challenges, and DLANC has worked feverouslyto open doors and create our own seat at the table on issues of most importance to DTLA people. There's a real opportunity to shape Downtown into a healthy community. It will take perseverance, hard work, and diligence to move boulders. Your vote matters! And I would be honored to represent you!

Stephanie Ly

For Safer and Cleaner DTLA

Jens Midthun

I believe in a thriving DTLA that works for everyone. I’m a longtime resident of this community and I love it here. As a marketer, I’ve brought tech companies their first customers and helped build successful businesses. Working with the City of LA, I’ve introduced new voters into the Neighborhood Council elections and I think it’s important that we continue this vital work. DLANC should continue to fight for more attention and funding for our neighborhood and its unique needs, especially surrounding homelessness. DTLA should be a safe place for everybody but I’d like it to be particularly more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Downtown has the most potential of any neighborhood in Los Angeles and people want to work and live in this diverse and walkable community. We will continue to grow DTLA as the inclusive, cosmopolitan, global city center that we are, while making sure to take care of our neighbors who need it most. Learn more at JensforLA.com or text DTLA to 213.320.4354!