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Glendale Heights explores 'junior committee' program to engage youth in local government
Summary
Village President introduced a conceptual plan to invite high-school and college-aged residents to a youth leadership summit and consider non-voting junior committee members on select commissions.
Village President Giannelli told the Committee of the Whole on Thursday that the village is exploring a pilot program to engage Glendale Heights youth with municipal government through a youth leadership summit and possible “junior committee” roles.
Giannelli said she met with members of DUCAP and discussed a concept she learned about at the state level to invite students (freshmen of high school through college-age) to participate in a leadership summit and, if interest exists, allow one or two non‑voting student representatives on three local committees: the Planning Commission, the Ordinance Committee and Parks and Recreation. She said the idea is conceptual and that legal review will be required to ensure compliance with applicable rules.
The Village President emphasized the program would give young residents a seat at the table to discuss agenda items and provide feedback from a youth perspective; participants would not have voting power. Trustees responded favorably in principle and asked to consider legal and operational details. Giannelli asked trustees to think about the idea and provide feedback as staff and stakeholders work through feasibility and compliance.
No formal resolution or implementation timeline was adopted; the matter remains at the proposal stage and will require additional legal review and community outreach.
