Community Councils in Venezuela

Study Notes

The Ley Orgánica de los Consejos Comunales defines the structure of community councils in Venezuela.
Community councils consist of the Asamblea de Ciudadanos, Colectivo de Coordinación Comunitaria, Unidad Ejecutiva, Unidad Administrativa y Financiera Comunitaria, and Unidad de Contraloría Social.
The Unidad Ejecutiva is responsible for coordinating the work of committees focused on health, housing, economics, security, media, recreation, food, water, children, disabilities, education, culture, and gender.
The Unidad Ejecutiva also executes decisions made by the Asamblea de Ciudadanos and promotes the creation of new organizations.
The Unidad Administrativa y Financiera Comunitaria serves as the financial management entity for the community council, handling administration, investment, credit, savings, and financial intermediation.
The Unidad Administrativa y Financiera Comunitaria is responsible for presenting financial reports and complying with anti-corruption laws.
The Unidad de Contraloría Social is responsible for evaluating the community council's activities, resources, and administration of funds.
The Unidad de Contraloría Social is also responsible for coordinating with government oversight agencies.
Members of the Unidad Ejecutiva and Unidad Administrativa y Financiera Comunitaria are elected through a popular election process.
The roles and responsibilities of each unit are defined by the community council's statutes.