2025 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods: Workshops
This year marks a special milestone as we return to City Hall for our 15th convening.
Dive into a full day of learning and conversation with 15+ workshops covering everything from neighborhood history, city budgeting, and land use, to youth leadership, civil rights, public safety, environmental sustainability, and more.
Whether you're passionate about local policy, eager to build community power, or just getting started with your Neighborhood Council, there’s something here for you.
Let’s learn, engage, and shape the future of Los Angeles, together.
Session 1
10:10am-11:10am
Civil Rights Enforcement in Los Angeles
Explore the City of Los Angeles’ Civil and Human Rights Law, established in 2019 to protect and promote equity across the city. This session will provide an overview of the law’s key provisions and detail the civil rights enforcement mechanisms under its authority. Learn how this law impacts residents, businesses, and public agencies, and discover ways Neighborhood Councils can support and engage with civil rights initiatives to foster a more just and inclusive LA.
Location: John Ferraro Council Chambers
Facilitator: Joumana Silyan-Saba
Director of Civic Engagement & Human Rights, Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department
Facilitator: Lilian Calderon
Special Investigator II, Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department
How LA Youth Can Lead Through Neighborhood Councils
Many young Angelenos don’t realize they can serve as Youth Representatives on Neighborhood Councils and cast votes on local issues. This session will introduce the role of youth in LA’s civic landscape, explain how to register to vote in NC elections, and share opportunities related to Civicate Youth, an organization looking to spread awareness about youth civic engagement. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of how to get involved with their community effectively and efficiently.
Location: Room 1070
Facilitator: Angel Song
Youth Representative, Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council
Facilitator: Hannah Yang
Communications Director, Civicate Youth
Facilitator: Hudson Phillips
Partnerships Director, Civicate Youth
How Would You Change the City's Budget?
If you could reshape Los Angeles's budget, where would you start? This interactive workshop invites attendees to explore the City’s current budget and share ideas for how funds could be better allocated to reflect community priorities. We’ll discuss opportunities for greater equity, transparency, and sustainability, as well as strategies to avoid future fiscal challenges. Join the conversation and help imagine a more responsive and resilient city budget—grounded in the voices of Angelenos.
Location: Room 1060
Facilitator: Kay Hartman
Parliamentarian, Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates
Facilitator: Adrian Fernandez
Administrative Secretary, Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate
Optimizing and Protecting the Historical Resources in Your Neighborhood
Learn how to identify, celebrate, and protect the historic and cultural landmarks that shape your neighborhood’s identity. This workshop will guide attendees through the City of Los Angeles' process for landmark designation, including how to research potential sites and submit nominations. We will share tools, funding resources, and strategies to help communities preserve their local heritage for future generations. Perfect for Neighborhood Council members and residents passionate about local history.
Location: Room 1050
Facilitator: Sunil Rampersad
Business Representative, Atwater Village Neighborhood Council
Pure Water Los Angeles: L.A.’s Journey to a New and Sustainable Water Supply
As we look to the future, the City continues to take steps to secure safe, reliable, high quality water. Pure Water Los Angeles is an ambitious program aimed at developing a sustainable and dependable local drinking water supply by purifying recycled water through an advanced water purification system. It is an initiative between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN). Community and stakeholder feedback is essential to the planning and implementation process so join us and make your voice heard.
Location: Edward R. Roybal Public Works Boardroom
Facilitator: Christina Becerra Jones, P.E.
Environmental Engineer, LA Sanitation and Environment
Facilitator: Ruwanka Purasinghe, PE, MS, ENV SP
Program Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
The County’s Evolving Role in a Regional Homeless Crisis
With the passage of Measure A, the expansion of the Local Solutions Fund, and the creation of the LA County Department of Homeless Services and Housing (HSH), the County is taking bold steps to provide regional leadership on our most urgent multi-jurisdictional challenge: reducing unsheltered homelessness. This workshop will feature County representatives outlining their plan to ramp up the Department’s operations, evolve coordination with 88 cities, 6 COGs, and over 120 unincorporated areas, and deliver housing and services more equitably and effectively. Learn how these evolutions create opportunities for direct partnership and what role Neighborhood Councils can play in supporting these efforts.
Location: Room 1010
Facilitator: Carter Hewgley
Senior Director, LA County Chief Executive Office - Homeless Initiative
Facilitator: Molly Rysman
Director of Policy and Planning, LA County Department of Health Services - Housing for Health
Facilitator: Mia Jackson
Associate Director, LA County Department of Health Services - Housing for Health
The LA Story Project
Neighborhood Councils are key partners in shaping LA's cultural legacy. Join the Department of Cultural Affairs to learn more about the resources available to neighborhood councils and citywide communities to partner and prepare to host the world in 2028.
Location: Room 1040
Facilitator: Juan Garcia
Director Marketing and Development and Design Strategy, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
Session 2
11:20-12:20am
Demystifying LASAN Trash Fees
Join us to demystify LASAN’s Trash Fees and learn about the full range of services included in the Solid Resources Program. We’ll review proposed rate increases, including multi-family bulky item fees, and explain the Prop 218 process. Discover how to maximize LASAN services and explore available financial assistance through DWP. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, giving you the chance to get your questions answered directly.
Location: Room 1060
Facilitator: Tristen Marler
Neighborhood Council Liaison, Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment
Ethics: Transparency and Tools for an Informed Citizenry
Join the Ethics Commission’s session on public disclosure in the City of Los Angeles! Explore key topics including campaign finance, lobbying activity, restricted building developers, and city contract reporting. Learn about seeking advice, navigating the policy process, conducting online research, and reporting violations related to these subjects.
Location: Room 1010
Facilitator: Nancy Jackson
Director of Strategic Communications, LA City Ethics Commission
Facilitator: Tyler Joseph
Director of Policy, LA City Ethics Commission
Hot Legal Topics for Neighborhood Councils
Back by popular demand, this essential session offers Neighborhood Council members clear, practical guidance on key legal responsibilities. Learn the basics of the Brown Act, the California Public Records Act, and conflict of interest laws in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Whether you're new to your board or need a refresher, this workshop will help you navigate legal requirements with confidence and ensure your NC operates with transparency and integrity.
Location: John Ferraro Council Chambers
Facilitator: Elise Ruden
Managing Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Neighborhood Council Advice Division
Facilitator: Ayelet Feiman
Assistant City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Neighborhood Council Advice Division
Facilitator: R. Vanessa Alvarado
Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Neighborhood Council Advice Division
Planning 101 for Neighborhood Councils
New to land use and planning? This introductory workshop will guide Neighborhood Council members through the basics of Los Angeles’ planning process. Learn how to find and review project approvals, understand key terms and timelines, and connect with the right Planning Department staff. Whether you’re responding to a local development or shaping your community’s future, this session will give you the tools to participate effectively in LA’s planning and land use decisions.
Location: Room 1050
Facilitator: Denzel Henderson
Planning Liaison, Los Angeles City Planning
Upcoming Changes to the NC Funding Program
Big changes are coming to the Neighborhood Council Funding Program. Join the Office of the City Clerk for an overview of updated policies and procedures—many developed in collaboration with the NC Funding Work Group—that reflect new Citywide standards and evolving needs. This session will explain what’s changing, why it matters, and how NCs can stay compliant while supporting their communities. Discover a wealth of information for board members, treasurers, and stakeholders managing NC resources.
Location: Edward R. Roybal Public Works Boardroom
Facilitator: Melvin Canas
Program Manager, Neighborhood Council Funding Program, Los Angeles Office of the City Clerk
Facilitator: Janet Hernandez
Program Supervisor, Neighborhood Council Funding Program, Los Angeles Office of the City Clerk
Facilitator: Paola Posada
Project Coordinator, Neighborhood Council Funding Program, Los Angeles Office of the City Clerk
Facilitator: Shawna Dungo
Management Analyst, Neighborhood Council Funding Program, Los Angeles Office of the City Clerk
Zero Waste Events in LA: Why and How
What does it take to host a Zero Waste event in Los Angeles—and why does it matter? This informative session will explain the City’s Zero Waste requirements for Neighborhood Council-funded events, including the environmental impact behind the policy. Attendees will receive practical, budget-friendly tips for planning events that reduce waste and avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to align your outreach efforts with LA’s sustainability goals while keeping your events successful and compliant.
Location: Room 1070
Facilitator: Charles Miller
Board Member, Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance
Session 3
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Are You Ready for the Next Disaster in the City of Angels?
According to the FEMA National Risk Index, Los Angeles is one of the most vulnerable counties in the United States. Learn what hazards can impact your area and how to take simple actions to ensure you, your household, and workplace or business are prepared.
Location: John Ferraro Council Chambers
Facilitator: Alisia Bealey
Emergency Management Coordinator I, LA City Emergency Management Department, Community Partnerships and Engagement Division
Facilitator: Alen Pijuan
Division Head, LA City Emergency Management Department, Community Partnerships and Engagement Division
Finding Ethics Violations with Public Data
Curious about how to uncover ethics violations in Los Angeles city government? This hands-on workshop will introduce tools and public data portals that help residents track City contracts, money flows, and potential conflicts of interest. Learn how the Levine Act applies to local officials and explore real-world case studies— including an adjudicated conflict of interest violation by Councilmember Kevin de León. Leave empowered with practical tips for holding public officials accountable through transparency and data.
Location: Room 1050
Facilitator: Jamie York
President, Reseda Neighborhood Council
Know Your Rights: Protecting Immigrant Communities in Los Angeles
Join Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez’s Office for a Know Your Rights workshop focused on empowering local leaders in Los Angeles. Learn about your constitutional rights, what individuals can do if they are approached by ICE or law enforcement, and how LA’s sanctuary city policies offer protection. The session will also connect attendees to local legal aid and support services. Whether you're an immigrant or an advocate, this workshop will equip you to stay informed and protected.
Location: Room 1070
Facilitator: David Abud
Director of Civic Engagement, Office of LA City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez
Planning for Regional Housing Needs
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will provide an overview of their role as a regional planning entity in the housing space, including a discussion on supporting local housing projects to increase housing capacity, resources and tools for planners and the general public, and determining housing need across the SCAG region. The presentation is intended to provide clarity about SCAG’s role in housing planning for the region and how the agency helps local jurisdictions overcome barriers, comply with housing element requirements, and promote sustainable and inclusive housing outcomes.
Location: Edward R. Roybal Public Works Boardroom
Facilitator: David Kyobe
Senior Regional Planner, Southern California Association of Governments
Proposition 36 and the Future of Public Safety in Los Angeles
Join the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for a conversation on Proposition 36 and the evolving future of public safety in LA. Learn how this reform to the now infamous Prop 47, which drastically reduced accountability for theft and drug crimes, has impacted sentencing, incarceration, and community reintegration. The workshop will explore how the DA’s Office is balancing justice and equity through prevention and rehabilitation opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into local reform efforts and engage in an open Q&A with DA representatives.
Location: Room 1010
Facilitator: Nathan Hochman
District Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Facilitator: Eugene Miyata
Assistant Head Deputy, Training Division, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Facilitator: Sharon Ngan
Public Information Specialist, Los Angeles District Attorney's Office
Upcoming Changes to the L.A. Charter: Threat or Opportunity?
Los Angeles is exploring major changes to its City Charter—the city’s foundational governing document. Are these proposed reforms a threat to community power or an opportunity for stronger democracy? In this session, we’ll break down what the Charter is, what changes are being considered, and how Neighborhood Councils and residents can shape the conversation. Join us to discuss what should be recommended, what should be resisted, and how your voice can help shape LA’s future.
Location: Room 1060
Facilitator: Bob Gelfand
Board Member, Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council
Greg Ellis, Attorney at Law