Support Restoration of Full Funding for NC Elections in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget

“ Regarding CF 26-0600:

“____ NC, a member of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), strongly urges the City to restore and maintain full funding for Neighborhood Council elections in the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. The City Clerk’s proposed elimination of $915,000 in funding, which would likely result in the postponement of the 2027 NC elections until 2029, represents a short-term budget solution with long-term democratic consequences. While fiscal responsibility is critical, the cost savings are marginal when weighed against the erosion of civic engagement, community trust, and local representation. Furthermore, many NC Bylaws do not allow board member terms to extend beyond June 2027 and therefore if NC elections do not occur during FY 2026-2027 these members would term off with no democratic process for choosing their successors. Funding for NC elections in FY 2026-2027 is absolutely critical and cannot be eliminated.”