Dayton has a long history of citizen participation dating back more than 30 years when the Priority Board system took shape. Since then Dayton has gained national recognition for the process of gaining input from its citizens. It is the very active members of the community that make Dayton’s government one that is “by the people.”

The City’s 65 neighborhoods have a voice in their municipal government through the seven Priority Boards and ultimately through a Chairperson’s Council, which oversees the Priority Board system. Elected officials and City administrators regularly seek input from the Priority Boards on opportunities and issues facing neighborhoods and the city overall. It has proven to be a very effective two-way communication system that benefits all.

The seven Priority Boards are:  Downtown, Southeast, Northeast, FROC (Fair River Oaks Council), Northwest, Innerwest and Southwest.  View a map of Priority Board areas and their neighborhhoods.

Visit these pages for information on site offices and contacting Priority Board staff and how to participate as an elected Priority Board member.