Can the City provide funding to Neighborhood Councils that include faith-based organizations?
YES. Including faith-based organizations in Neighborhood Councils does not prohibit the City from giving funds to Certified Neighborhood Councils. By funding Neighborhood Councils, the City’s intent is neither to advance nor inhibit religion, but to provide a source of funds for the function of Neighborhood Councils, a secular purpose, and the inclusion of faith-based groups does not prevent the City from funding these Neighborhood Councils. Moreover, the City Charter contemplates that Neighborhood Councils are intended to be inclusive; therefore, churches and other religion entities are not prohibited from joining.
