Welcome to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s Community Board training series! We have created easy-to-follow presentations on many of the issues that come up before Community Boards as part of our initiative to train and empower Community Board members.

General Handbook

The General Handbook for Community Board Members is a one-stop shop for all of the questions you might have about service on a Community Board and their role in city government. The Handbook contains sections on the history of Community Boards, the structure of city government, the role of Community Boards, the role of District Managers and their staff, maps of each Community Board district, city charter sections pertaining to Community Boards, an introduction to conflicts-of-interest law, and a resource directory for the city.

Land Use 101

Prepared by the Borough President’s Land Use, Planning and Development Division, our land-use training provides an overview of land use and the origins of zoning, an explanation of the mechanics of zoning, an overview of the public-review process used in land-use decisions, and a list of tools and resources for Community Board members.

Community Board Budget 101

This Community Board 101 training presents the process by which the New York City budget is created and the Community Board’s role in forming that budget. Members are taught how to read the budget, how to present their input on the budget, and how to help their Community Board navigate through the budget process.

Parliamentary Procedure 101

Our guide to parliamentary procedure provides members with an easy-to-understand summary of how Community Board meetings run and function. The lesson contains sections on the purpose of parliamentary procedure, the responsibilities of the Board Members and Chair, a summary of parliamentary motions, and the specific rules of Community Board meetings.

Parliamentary Motions 101

This directory of parliamentary motions helps Community Board Members to participate in their board and committee meetings with proper procedural motions.

Resolution Writing 101

Our resolution-writing lesson provides a rubric for putting together a Community Board resolution.