ANC 8B FAQs
What is the ANC?
An Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is a non-partisan, elected body that represents neighborhood interests in DC government.
It includes parts of Southeast DC such as Hillcrest, Knox Hill, Garfield Heights, and portions of Naylor Gardens.
An SMD is the smallest political unit in DC, each represented by one ANC commissioner.
Use ancfinder.dc.gov to find your district and representative.
Visit the ANC 8B website for the most up-to-date list of commissioners.
Meetings and Public Participation
Monthly, typically on a set schedule. Check the ANC 8B website or contact a commissioner for exact dates.
Yes. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.
If you would like to make a formal presentation or be included on the agenda, please contact your commissioner in advance to request a speaking slot. If you’re a resident or community member who simply wants to share an update or make a brief announcement, you may speak during the Public Comments or Community Announcements portion of the meeting.
ANC 8B meetings are open to the public, but they are held in person only. There is currently no virtual attendance option.
Minutes from all public ANC 8B meetings are published online within five days after the meeting and are available for download by the general public.
Commissioners and Governance
Every two years during DC’s general election. Each SMD elects one commissioner.
Yes, if you meet the residency and eligibility requirements in your SMD.
The Chair leads meetings, manages operations, and represents the ANC publicly.
Contact details are available on the ANC8B.org website or by calling the Office of ANCs.
Attend meetings, join committees, volunteer.
Community Resources & Services
Submit a 311 service request or notify your commissioner for help following up.
Use the 311 system or contact your ANC commissioner for support.
Yes, by working with MPD and community members on crime prevention and response efforts.
The ANC can advocate on housing policy, engage developers, and connect residents with housing resources.
Follow ANC8B.org on social media, check the website, or subscribe to email updates.
Responsibilities and Influence
Public safety, zoning, transportation, development, and quality-of-life matters.
The ANC’s role is advisory, but DC law requires agencies to give “great weight” to ANC recommendations.
ANC 8B provides testimony, feedback, and formal recommendations on legislation and agency actions.
The ANC reviews zoning proposals and construction plans and provides input to the Zoning Commission and BZA.
ANCs are official government bodies. Civic Associations are volunteer groups with no formal government authority.
Community Involvement and Grants
Yes. Events may include cleanups, town halls, resource fairs, and more.
Yes. Small community grants may be available for eligible projects. Contact ANC 8B for guidelines.
Yes. Businesses seeking licenses or support often present their proposals to the ANC.
ANC 8B reviews applications and can support, oppose, or negotiate agreements with businesses.
Reach out to your commissioner or the Chair to request agenda inclusion.