After a year of virtual meetings, residents can now attend the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council meetings in person, starting this month.
The return marks a win for the council which has been rebuilding since it was placed in non-operating status and had its funds frozen in December 2024.
The September board meeting should be the final one before the council regains normal operating status, according to President Wendy Castro. The status will allow the council to fund community grants and create committees to discuss neighborhood issues like development, sustainability and public safety.
Progress after a history of setbacks
The return to in-person meetings signals progress for the council, which struggled last year to fill enough board seats to conduct official business. Since the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment placed the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council under exhaustive efforts in December, the board welcomed new members, elected a new executive team, updated its bylaws and completed the training required to operate the council.
As part of budget cuts across the city, officials cut base funding for all neighborhood councils in 2025. But because the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council had its frozen 2024 funds rolled over into the current fiscal year, its budget increased from the base $25,000 to $68,580.
Why attend the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council?
Neighborhood Councils are the most local level of L.A. City government. They advise City Hall, rather than pass laws or ordinances, but also manage their own budgets and can fund programming, events and improvement projects through a grant called the Neighborhood Purpose Grant. Once the council returns to normal operation non-profit organizations can apply for up to $5,000. Grant applications are available on the city clerk’s website.
In addition to funding, councils can take official positions on policies, programs and developments that impact their neighborhood.
What was discussed at the last meeting?
At the last Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council meeting, developers presented plans to build a 24-hour drive-thru Taco Bell at 1308 S. Soto St. next to the Centro Magno Mini Mall. The board approved a motion asking the developers to alter their plans based on board member feedback and return for a formal vote. Developers are expected to present at next week’s meeting.
How to attend, in person and virtually
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
In person: Community Room, Boyle Heights City Hall (2130 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033)
- The council will provide light refreshments and hot finger foods from a local business for attendees.
On Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85021980295
Agenda: Published 72 hours before the meeting at https://www.bhnc.net/agendas-minutes
Reporting for this story came from notes taken by Los Angeles Documenter Alex Medina at the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council meeting on September 3, 2025. The LA Documenters program trains and pays community members to document what happens at public meetings.
