Queens Community Board 3

Through the City Charter, voters created the Community Boards as the initial step in New York City's governance process. The Charter broadly authorized each Board to "Consider the needs of the district which it serves." Each Board sets its own course of action based on local needs and opportunities. Their role and operation are presented in the following chapters. While the concept of the Community Board looks spectacular on paper, they function in the community’s interest only to the extent that residents participate and guide them. There are many opportunities for public participation: at formal Public Participation Sessions before every monthly meeting, through participation and membership on committees, volunteer opportunities at the district office and public events, direct contact with Board members, and now through websites.