The powers and authority of ANC 1A are delineated in the District of Columbia Charter Act, effective December 24, 1973 (Pub.L. 93-198; 87 Stat. 774)(D.C. Official Code § 1–207.38(c)) (“Home Rule Act”) and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Act of 1975, effective October 10, 1975 (D.C. Law 1-21; D.C. Official Code § 1-309.01 et seq.) (“ANC Act”). As the ANC Act requires, the Commission establishes and follows bylaws and rules of organization and procedure for conducting business on behalf of the Columbia Heights neighborhood, which are not inconsistent with District and federal statutes concerning advisory neighborhood commissions. Pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1–309.11(e)(3), where not otherwise provided, the procedures of the Commission are governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are also required to file an up-to-date copy of their bylaws and all amendments with the Secretary of the Council and the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions within 30 days of any amendment to the bylaws. Advisory Neighborhood Commission bylaws shall be a public document and shall include the following:

  • The geographic boundaries of the Commission area;
  • A statement of Commission responsibilities;
  • Voting procedures;
  • The establishment of standing and special committees, including provisions for giving public notice of all committee meetings;
  • The manner of selection of chairpersons and other officers;
  • Presiding officers;
  • Procedures for prompt review and action on committee recommendations;
  • The use of the Commission office and supplies;
  • Procedures for receipt of, and action upon constituent recommendations at both the single-member district and Commission levels;
  • The procedures for the filling of a vacancy in the office of treasurer;
  • Transition protocols for officer positions; and
  • A tiebreaking procedure for Commission officer elections.

Note: Based on an April 10, 2017, ruling promulgated by the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability, ANCs, including ANC 1A, are subject to the Ethics Act (D.C. Official Code § 1–1162.01 et seq.) and the D.C. Code of Conduct (D.C. Official Code § 1–618.01 et seq.). *DC law may override provisions of this document where applicable.