The New York City Charter mandates a role for community boards in the annual preparation and review of the City's budget. Each June, the Board's committees consider the most pressing needs of the community for improved government services and capital investment. A public hearing is held by the full Board at its summer meeting, culminating in the submission to the Mayor of the Statement of District Needs. In September and October, the same process is followed for the creation of a list of Capital and Expense Priorities - which is a ranking of the community's most-desired items, based on the Statement of District Needs. In February and March, the process is followed again when the Board reviews the Mayor's preliminary budget for the coming fiscal year. Community participation is encouraged and welcomed at both the committee meetings and the public hearing