Participate: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Board?
There will be 28 Community Boards throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area, each representing a unique geographic area. Each consists of up to 50 non-salaried volunteer members who are considered official of the City of St. Louis. They are people who either live, work or have a significant interest in the district the Community Board covers. Board Members are appointed by the DAS/ESJ President, with half nominated by the City Council members who represent the district.

What are the functions of a Community Board?
The board serves as the City of St. Louis most local level of government and often works with other governmental agencies with plans or mandates that affect the citizens of St. Louis. The Board serves as a the “official” voice of the community. Residents and business owners can raise concerns, make complaints and discuss possible solutions in a non-partisan environment. It is the people who live and work in the district who generally know what’s best for their neighborhood because they experience firsthand the day-to-day life of the community. The Community Board serves as an advisory panel to all city officials and organizations, offering opinions in the form of Resolutions and incorporating the feedback received from community members.

What are some of the issues that Community Boards pays attention to?
Each Community Board will be made up of eight individual committees that focus on particular areas of concern. Each Committee meets monthly to discuss in-debt issues affecting the community. Topics range from housing development/construction, health and human service issues. Education issues, police, criminal activity, and sanitation matters, as well as issues concerning the delivery of municipal services. For a full list of meetings, go to Calendars and Meetings section of this site.

When and Where does the Community Board meet?
The General (Full) Board meets the first Wednesday of every month at (TBD) at or in (TBD). Individual Committees meet at various times throughout the month prior to the General Board and are held in the Conference room located at (TBD). Check the Calendar each month for the most current information.

Can I speak at a Community Board meeting?
Yes. The Community Board represents the community, and members of the public are invited to make announcements. Community members can attend Full Board meetings as well as Committee meetings. To speak at a Full Board Meeting, arrive early and put your name on the Speakers List. You will be called in the order in which you signed up and giving two minutes to speak during the Public Session. The Board reserves the right to allow announcements only, as complaints about services can be handled during normal business hours.

How do I register a complaint?
To make a complaint, please call your District Office at ***-***-***. Any complaint relating to municipal services can be made to the District Office. Including those regarding noise, street cleanliness, potholes or anything relating to the safety and quality of life of the District. Take an active role in the life of your community and make the call. In order to serve you best, we strongly suggest you call*11 first and get a *11 complaint number so that we can follow up on your complaint.

How can I become involved with my community?
Becoming an official Board member is not the only way to participate in your community. Attending the open meetings, understanding the underlying issues and advocating for your particular solution and volunteering will help the Board be more effective. Remember, Board members are not city employees, elected officials or agency providers but residents and neighbors like yourself that advocate for a better community.