In 1999, voters decided the City of Los Angeles would set up a network of Neighborhood Councils to act as a conduit between the City Council and their local communities. The main purpose was to make sure that when voting on area sensitive issues, the representing Councilperson had the voice of the community in mind. The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (D.O.N.E.) was created for the purpose of getting approximately 100 Councils up and running Citywide.

In October of 2001, Councilman Dennis Zine's office began contacting people who were active in our community for the purpose of getting the Reseda Neighborhood Council started. The first meeting was held in November of 2001. Through constant outreach, the initial organizers grew into a core group of about 15 people who began meeting monthly and setting up committees to work on areas of Community Outreach, Public Relations, Council Bylaws, and Governing Board Elections. By May of 2002, this formation group had disseminated more than 10,000 flyers, constructed a temporary website, had TV, radio and newspaper spots, and used email and other webpostings to let the community know about the Reseda Neighborhood Council Certification from the City of Los Angeles was applied for and after a few adjustments to the proposed bylaws, a Certification hearing was held and the RNC became the 50th Certified Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles on October 6, 2002.

Public elections were held in November in the shortest time from Certification to election of any Neighborhood Council to date. In January 2003, the RNC became the first Neighborhood Council funded in the San Fernando Valley. Mayor Jim Hahn met with the Officers and Board Members of the RNC at Office Depot and together went shopping for much needed office supplies with the new Stored Value card that was issued by D.O.N.E. In addition, when the RNC applied for a check to pay for the development of this web site, new rules and regulations had to be created as we were the first Council to seek a check,

During these first months, the scope and responsibilities of the Neighborhood Councils has expanded tremendously. On issues of new developments and community projects, it is now advisable to present the proposed project to the Neighborhood Councils before the City processes applications and permits. Recommendations from the local Councils are heavily weighed.

D.O.N.E. has given the Councils a yearly budget of up to $50,000 to be used to improve the quality of life in our communities.

The RNC has set up 7 Standing Committees to deal with the many aspects of life in Reseda. These committees are Audit, Bylaws, Community Relations, Community Safety, Finance, Grievance, & Planning & Zoning. Sub-committees for Outreach,
Public Relations, Council Liaison, Senior Advocacy & Youth Advocacy in place to facilitate issues in those areas of concern.

Some of the projects that are under consideration or have been started are:

• Entrance signs for the city of Reseda
• Several Planning and Zoning issues
• Helping the Business Improvement District upgrade the appearance of businesses on Sherman Way
• A project with Kirk of the Valley for improving the parkway and parking lot near them
• Enticing new businesses to locate in Reseda
• Creating a Disaster plan for Reseda where none exists for the community
• Helping local businesses repair windows damaged by etched glass.

Watch this web site to keep up on what is happening to improve our Quality of Life in Reseda.