The City of St. Paul recognizes 17 District Councils as the official voice of citizen participation of each planning district. Each council has a Board of Directors made up of residents, businesses, representatives, and/or education and faith-based representatives. Depending on the district/community council, residents on the Boards represent specific grids, blocks, or neighborhood interests within the community. They bring the voices of the residents to the district council, which speaks to the city on behalf of the district. Though Board representative positions are offices residents hold, any interested community member is encouraged to attend Board meetings and participate in subcommittees.