FAQ
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are non-partisan, locally elected bodies unique to Washington, D.C. Your Commissioner represents your specific neighborhood (Single Member District) to the D.C. Government. While ANCs are "advisory," District agencies are required by law to give the Commission's recommendations "great weight" regarding zoning, public safety, liquor licenses, and neighborhood transit.
It means that while ANCs do not pass laws, D.C. government agencies are required by law to give "great weight" to the recommendations and concerns voiced by the Commission. If a city agency plans to change something in your neighborhood, they must notify the ANC and consider our input before moving forward.
Each ANC is divided into smaller areas called Single Member Districts. Each SMD is represented by one Commissioner. For example, SMD 8A01 represents a specific set of blocks and neighbors within the larger ANC 8A area in Southeast D.C.
Your Commissioner acts as a liaison between the neighborhood and the city government. They work to resolve resident complaints about city services, attend community meetings, and vote on official ANC resolutions regarding issues like:
Traffic safety and street lighting.
Public safety and nuisance property enforcement.
Grant applications for local non-profits.
Zoning and liquor license applications.
Traffic safety and street lighting.
Public safety and nuisance property enforcement.
Grant applications for local non-profits.
Zoning and liquor license applications.
Attend Monthly Meetings: We hold public meetings where you can hear updates and speak during the "community comments" portion.
Report Issues: If you see a persistent neighborhood issue—like a broken streetlight or a dangerous intersection—let your Commissioner know so they can track the city’s response.
Volunteer: Join a committee or help with neighborhood initiatives like community cleanups and school support programs.
Report Issues: If you see a persistent neighborhood issue—like a broken streetlight or a dangerous intersection—let your Commissioner know so they can track the city’s response.
Volunteer: Join a committee or help with neighborhood initiatives like community cleanups and school support programs.
Most Commissioners are your neighbors and work out of their homes or local community spaces. The best way to reach out is through the contact form on this website or by attending a scheduled community walk or meeting.
The ANC works closely with school administrators at local institutions, such as Boone Elementary and Kramer Middle School, to advocate for better resources, safety measures, and student engagement opportunities.
If there is a vacant or neglected property causing safety concerns, the ANC can coordinate with the Department of Buildings and other agencies to ensure the owner is held accountable and that the property is properly maintained.
The anc8a01.com website is updated with information regarding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) with developers, upcoming city-led infrastructure projects, and local events like neighborhood cleanups.
Note: If you're unsure if you live within the boundaries of 8A01, you can use the "Find Your ANC" tool on the official D.C. government website to confirm your specific district.
Note: If you're unsure if you live within the boundaries of 8A01, you can use the "Find Your ANC" tool on the official D.C. government website to confirm your specific district.
No. We are volunteers.
ANC Commissioners are elected for two year terms. They are elected during the November election and sworn in right after the new year.
Regular public meetings are held monthly to discuss community updates, vote on resolutions, and hear directly from residents. Meeting notices, digital archives, and official minutes are regularly updated right here on our website. Meetings are virtual and meeting information can be found on the home page of this site
Keeping our streets clean is a top priority. For immediate tracking, please report illegal dumping, missed trash collections, or sanitation issues directly to the D.C. 311 system (via phone, the 311 mobile app, or 311.dc.gov). Once you have submitted a 311 request, you can share the ticket number with our office so we can follow up with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to ensure it gets resolved.
Unlit streets and damaged sidewalks impact public safety. Please submit a 311 request for "Streetlight Repair" or "Sidewalk Repair." If an infrastructure issue remains unaddressed after reporting, flag it for the Commission so we can escalate it during our regular inter-agency safety and infrastructure reviews.
Nuisance properties that violate housing or building codes pose safety risks to the entire block. If you suspect a building is vacant or abandoned or blighted, request a vacant property inspection by going to: https://inspections.dob.dc.gov/forms/vacant_property_inspection/step_1
Residents are always welcome to reach out directly via the contact form on this website or attend our next monthly public meeting to speak during the open community comment period.