Brighton Youth Commission recounts National League of Cities experience

Members of the Brighton Youth Commission described how attending the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C., helped build their networking, leadership and advocacy skills.

The trip, presented to the Brighton City Council on April 8, 2025, was led by Youth Commission chair Nia Lopo and supported by staff. "I'm Nia Lopo. I'm a senior at Eagle Ridge Academy and chair of the Brighton Youth Commission," Lopo said as commissioners introduced themselves and summarized what they learned.

Council members and city staff asked the students to describe concrete takeaways. Commissioners cited practice with elevator pitches and small-group problem-solving exercises, exposure to other municipal approaches to youth civic engagement and confidence-building moments such as initiating conversations at networking events and visiting memorials and museums. "We were given three topics to work on...my group...worked on youth civic engagement," commissioner Charlie Haggerty said, describing a multi-step plan the group developed.

City staff noted the commission’s selection process and preparatory training before the conference, describing essays, a video component and interviews required for selection. Rachel Keely, youth services coordinator, was listed as a chaperone for the trip but was not in attendance at the study session.

Council members praised the commission’s representation of Brighton at the conference. Council Member Lloyd Worth, who attended the trip, said he had seen Brighton commissioners recognized by other communities and complimented the students’ growth. Mayor Pro Tem and other council members highlighted the commission as a model for smaller cities seeking sustained youth engagement.

Council did not take a formal action on the presentation. The commission concluded by inviting questions and thanking the council for its support.