Neighborhood Councils were mandated by the new Los Angeles City Charter in June of 1999. They were created to give neighborhoods a voice in policy making and influence over the way government does business. The Neighborhood Council system is already having an effect. To date, 95 Neighborhood Councils have been certified. If you live, work, own property or participate in any significant way in the Mid City West area, you are automatically a member stakeholder in the MCW. Mid City West is funded by the City, as provided in the Charter, and charged with the responsibility of advising city departments, agencies, boards and commissions on matters of importance to our community, with providing input in the Mayor's budget process and with monitoring the delivery of city services. Mid City West is your voice at City Hall and responds to and considers the myriad issues that impact and concern our community ... both local and citywide. The MCW Board of Directors is the governing body for this Council. It consists of 45 seats, 31 of which are community interest positions such as Renters, Homeowners, Nonprofits, Minorities, Education, etc. MCW is committed to, and its bylaws require, transparency and openness. Any stakeholder can run for the Board of Directors. All board and standing committee meetings are posted and open to the public. The Board must reflect the community, and no single group, organization or individual will be permitted to control your Council.