Mayor Hahn hosts the First Congress of Neighborhood Councils
Announces formation of Mayor's Los Angeles Neighborhood Team

August 3rd, 2002
Universal City

Mayor James Hahn today addressed the first Congress of Neighborhood Councils at the Universal Sheridan, where he announced the formation of a new division within the Mayor's Office called the Mayor's Neighborhood Team. The new group will be modeled after the Los Angeles Business Team. Mayor Hahn also announced that the Neighborhood Councils will have a direct role in the City's budget process.

"Today, I am asking you to partner with me in leading Los Angeles," said Mayor Hahn. "I believe our mission is simple ... to improve Los Angeles neighborhood by neighborhood. If we can get people feeling good about the street they live on, they will feel good about the city they live in."

The Mayor's Los Angeles Neighborhood Team will help to improve the quality of life for residents and revitalize neighborhoods in Los Angeles by efficiently coordinating and implementing programs and improvement projects with Neighborhood Councils and other community organizations. The Mayor's Neighborhood Team will serve as the Mayor's Office representative to expedite the plans, programs and projects of the forming and existing Neighborhood Councils.

The Congress of Neighborhoods brought together Neighborhood Council leaders from across the city for valuable training sessions, networking opportunities and the chance to meet with city department representatives one-on-one. Over 800 people participated in today's event.

Throughout the day, there were several workshops available to participants, with over 45 topics that were discussed.

City Controller Laura Chick, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and Councilmembers Wendy Gruel, Eric Garcetti, Janice Hahn, Jack Weiss and Tom LaBonge all participated in today's event.

Currently, there are 39 Neighborhood Councils that have been certified.