Committee defers youth advisory working-group resolution after public opposition and sponsor request

The Budget & Finance Committee deferred for two meetings RS 20 25 dash 1100, a resolution requesting that Mayor Freddie O’Connell create an advisory working group to develop a coordinated youth policy and a long-term, administration-spanning strategic plan. The deferral vote was 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 not voting.

Jamelle Campbell Gooch, who identified themself as the organizing director at the Southern Movement Committee and as a resident of District 21, addressed the committee during the public-comment period in opposition to RS 20 25 dash 1100. "It is with concern that I address you today regarding bill RS 20 25 1100, which I believe will undermine our young people's visionary leadership," Gooch said. Gooch urged the committee instead to "continue to support the work of our young people in building the Office of Youth Safety" and to "reaffirm your support for the student led office of youth safety by not only committing, but backing and enhancing your investment in our mission of ending gun violence."

During committee consideration, Councilmember Drumpfel requested a two‑meeting deferral to provide more explanation and clarification of the resolution’s scope and membership. Drumpfel said the resolution should be clearer about its role relative to the Department of Youth Safety and about designing a mechanism that could persist across administrations. The committee approved the two‑meeting deferral unanimously.

The resolution’s sponsors listed in the meeting caption include Drutfel Hill, Evans, Ellis, Huffman, Gamble, Nash, Gadd, Hancock, Allen and Rutherford (as read into the record). The committee did not take final action on the resolution at this meeting; the item will return after the deferral period for further consideration.