Advisory Neighborhood Commission Panel Discussion

The moderated panel discussion with focus on the establishment and commissioner experiences from the early years of this unique form of grass-roots democracy in Washington, D.C.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are locally elected bodies which consider a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and the District's annual budget.

ANCs were authorized as part of the DC Home Rule Charter. On July 22, 1975, the newly formed DC Counsel established the 36 neighborhood areas that were to become ANCs. On February 3, 1976, the first elections were held for 30 of the ANC areas. Five additional ANCs were created following the November 2, 1976, elections, and the final ANC was established following the Nov 8, 1977.

Confirmed Speakers

Introductions

• Kent Boese, Executive Director of the OANC

Moderator

• Martin Austermuhle: D.C. Reporter with NOTUS | The Star

Panelists

• Andy Litsky (ANC2D & 6D: 1999-2022)
• Gottlieb Simon (former ED OANC; ANC6D 2025-present)
• Bob King (ANC5A & 5C: 1985-2014)
• Mary Gaffney (ANC7C: 1976- 2004; 2027-2021; 2025-present)
• Sandy Allen (ANC8E: 1987-1992; 1995-1996)
• Anita Bonds (ANC5C: 2007-2010)
• Absalom Jordan (ANC8E: 1985-1988; 1991-1992)