How to City Civics Archives

How to a Community Board, and What to Know Before You Apply

Jan. 24, 2024, 12:52 p.m.Jan. 23, 2025, 6:59 p.m.

They’re the entry level of local government, but what do community boards really do? And how are chosen? It’s application season, so here’s a guide for anyone who wants to get involved.

How to New York

Who to Yell At: A New Yorker’s Guide on Who to Call to Get Local Problems Fixed

Jan. 16, 2024, 5:00 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:59 p.m.

Whether you want to repair a broken mailbox, reserve public park space or get a new street tree planted, here’s how to be an effective squeaky wheel.

An early voter scans their ballot at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

How to New York

How Judge Candidates Appear on Your Ballot in NYC

Oct. 26, 2023, 5:00 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:58 p.m.

Judgeships are often preordained by county political parties. This year, only four of 22 judicial races are competitive.

How to New York

How the New York City Budget Gets Made — and What Happens If It’s Late

June 23, 2023, 5:00 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:56 p.m.

The city’s budget is due at the end of June. Negotiations about what gets cut, including funding for libraries, are happening now between City Hall and City Council.

How to New York

Participatory Budgeting is Happening Now in NYC. Here’s How to Vote on Local Ideas.

March 29, 2023, 5:03 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:55 p.m.

The period for residents to weigh in on which projects their local City Council member will fund runs from April 6 to 14.

How to New York

How Does Ranked Choice Voting Work in New York City?

March 23, 2023, 8:45 p.m.Feb. 5, 2025, 11:36 a.m.

The voting method is used in primaries for municipal offices only, not in state or federal races or general elections.

How to New York

How to Rename a Street in NYC: The Right Way to Dub Your Block

March 20, 2023, 5:03 a.m.July 10, 2024, 5:39 p.m.

If you’re feeling moved to commemorate a neighborhood hero, this guide’s for you.

How to New York

Should You Give a Candidate Your Signature? A Voter’s Guide to Petitioning Season

Feb. 27, 2023, 5:05 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:51 p.m.

In the coming weeks, you may be asked to add your signature to a form nominating a candidate for this year’s elections. Here’s what that means.

How to New York

What a Community Education Council Does and How to One

Feb. 10, 2023, 6:29 p.m.June 11, 2024, 2:50 p.m.

CECs are volunteer boards that contribute to decisions made around school district zoning, education material, school buildings and more.

How to New York

Have I Been Redistricted? Search Your Redrawn District and Who’s Running in New York

May 21, 2022, 8:50 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:49 p.m.

Congressional and state seats have changed. Before the 2022 summer primary elections, find out who’s running and how your old districts stack up with your new ones.

How to City Civics

How to a Community Board, and What to Know Before You Apply

Who to Yell At: A New Yorker’s Guide on Who to Call to Get Local Problems Fixed

How Judge Candidates Appear on Your Ballot in NYC

How the New York City Budget Gets Made — and What Happens If It’s Late

Participatory Budgeting is Happening Now in NYC. Here’s How to Vote on Local Ideas.

How Does Ranked Choice Voting Work in New York City?

How to Rename a Street in NYC: The Right Way to Dub Your Block

Should You Give a Candidate Your Signature? A Voter’s Guide to Petitioning Season

What a Community Education Council Does and How to One

Have I Been Redistricted? Search Your Redrawn District and Who’s Running in New York

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