Local Communities Standing Together Through EmpowerLA
By Betti Halsell Contributing writer
Published June 10, 2021
Commissioner Joy Atkinson speaking at Getty House photo by Jose Galdamez
The City of LA Department of Neighborhood Empowerment or EmpowerLA puts the power back in the hands of the community. It is the “primary support agency” for the neighborhood council system. They are calling on every Angeleno to strengthen the voice of the community; Neighborhood Council is the closest form of government to the people.
Joy Atkinson is Los Angeles City Commissioner for South L.A. She, along with the other city commissioners, monitor the Neighborhood Council operations and policies. Atkinson was appointed by Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti within the first term. She has served as a commissioner in a number of jurisdictions, after being a part of Neighborhood Council when the branch became official in the city around the late 1999.