DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are non-partisan, neighborhood bodies made up of locally elected representatives called Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (also ANCs, yes it’s confusing).
There are 345 Commissioners, who each serve 2,000 constituents for two-year terms. Each of the 46 Commissions are made up of at least two Commissioners, though most have 6-10.
Commissions advise the DC and Federal governments on important issues facing their community. Their role is advisory, but District agencies are required to give “great weight” to their recommendations.
Electing pro-housing ANCs is important to building a thriving, affordable city. ANCs provide input on local zoning decisions and can help push forward large housing developments like 1617 U Street and the Chevy Chase Civic Site. They can work with developers, city officials, and other stakeholders to find opportunities for new housing in their neighborhoods. ANCs can also help support improvements to their communities that make denser housing possible, like protected bike lanes and traffic safety improvements.
Electing YIMBY ANCs also helps build political power. ANCs can serve as spokespeople for the movement, working with constituents to build support for denser housing and urbanism. They also serve as an official, elected pro-housing voice to the city’s leadership, from the Zoning Commission to the DC Council and the Mayor. Often, these officials recognize the importance of ANCs because they were once ANCs themselves. Mayor Bowser, Council Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Nadeau and Councilmember Frumin are all former ANCs.
If you’ve felt the pain as housing prices go up and up every year – If you’ve despaired as plans to build more housing were delayed and watered down – If you want to change the status quo and push a pro-housing agenda forward – you should run for ANC.
Being an ANC is the number one most effective thing most district residents can do to contribute to the YIMBY movement. This is where the rubber meets the road. This is how decisions get made.
And you won’t be alone. Over the last several years, pro-housing candidates have been elected to ANC seats all over DC, and organizations like DC YIMBYs are working hard to get more elected. Together, we can build a thriving, affordable DC.
If you’re interested in running, reach out to us. We can help you navigate the candidate declaration process and get on the ballot. You only need 25 signatures, but they need to be collected and turned in by August 7. We can also connect you with current and prospective ANCs that can help you run and learn the ropes of the position if elected.
Also consider watching Greater Greater Washington’s virtual ANC candidate training event. It's a great way to learn more about running for and serving as an ANC.
