Las Vegas youth advisory council adopts bylaws, elects inaugural chair and vice chair

The City of Las Vegas Youth Leadership Advisory Council (YLAC) adopted a set of bylaws and elected officers at its inaugural meeting. The council — created by ordinance and established in the Las Vegas Municipal Code, chapter 2.7 — will advise the mayor and city council on youth‑related programs and policies.

The council approved bylaws that set membership at no fewer than nine and no more than 23 voting members who must be high‑school students who either reside in or attend school in the city of Las Vegas. Members are appointed by the mayor and city council; the mayor may appoint up to five members and each council member may nominate up to three. The bylaws require staggered terms (generally two years for sophomores through seniors, with initial freshmen serving four‑year terms), a minimum of five in‑person meetings per academic year and an annual report to the city council. The bylaws specify YLAC acts in an advisory capacity only and cannot direct city staff or obligate city resources.

Dr. Tammy Malich, director of Youth Development and Social Initiatives, explained the council’s purpose as providing a “youth voice” to city staff and elected officials and said members will be able to prepare model resolutions and make recommendations to the council.

The council voted to adopt the bylaws with changes made on the record: adding a secretary as an officer and clarifying that members must be high‑school students at time of appointment. Member Chloe Camarillo moved to adopt the bylaws with the recorded amendments; a member seconded the motion and members voted in favor. The motion passed.

Following adoption, members nominated and gave short on‑the‑record statements for chair and vice chair. The election was conducted publicly per Nevada open meeting law; the city clerk explained the process and members cast visible votes. Member Nguyen was elected chair (10 votes) and Janiyah King was elected vice chair (14 votes). The newly elected chair and vice chair will preside over future meetings and, together with the city liaison, set agendas and preside over public comment and council business.

City staff clarified operational details in response to members’ questions: Sheena Judy Mitchell will serve as the nonvoting ex officio staff liaison; city legal staff advised on eligibility wording for members who may leave high school during a term; and the city clerk’s office will publish agendas and meeting minutes in accordance with Nevada law.

Members asked the council to create internal roles beyond chair and vice chair (secretary, communications coordinator, community outreach lead) and discussed adopting subcommittees or temporary volunteer roles to support outreach and the annual report. The council voted to adopt the bylaws with the recorded amendments and to consider subcommittees at a future, properly agendized meeting.

The council will meet at least five times per academic year and must maintain attendance standards in the bylaws (two unexcused absences may lead to removal and replacement by the mayor or city council). The adopted bylaws also require YLAC to follow Robert’s Rules of Order (as modified for small boards) and Nevada open meeting law.