Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are another resource available to you. They are the body of government with the closest official ties to the people in a neighborhood. Each Commission includes Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners elected to represent a Single Member District, each of which has a population of about 2,000 people.

ANCs stand ready to assist residents. They consider a wide range of matters relating to their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, liquor licensure, public space permits, and zoning, among other things. In each of these areas, the intent of the ANC legislation is to ensure input from an advisory board that is made up of the neighborhood residents neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action.

ANCs present their positions and recommendations on issues to various District government agencies, the Executive Branch, and the Council. They also present testimony to independent agencies, boards, and commissions, usually under the rules of procedure specific to those entities. By law, ANCs may also present their positions to Federal agencies.

In Ward 5, there are three Advisory Neighborhood Commissions—5A, 5B, and 5C. For more information on ANCs, go to www.anc.dc.gov.