Councilor presents plan for Sunnyside youth advisory board; budget and logistics still unresolved

Councilor Frausto presented a draft plan on May 5 to establish a Sunnyside Youth Advisory Board with district representation, at-large members and a youth mayor. Councilors expressed broad support for the idea but asked staff to return with budget estimates and a clear plan for staff support and meeting logistics.

Proposal highlights: The draft would create district-based seats plus three at-large members, one-year terms with a possibility of reappointment, and a youth mayor elected from the membership. The board would meet publicly, follow Robert’s Rules of Order and assign a council liaison to mentor the group. The timeline presented calls for an application period in spring, selection in June and a formal launch in September.

Why it matters: Councilors said the board could help demystify local government, build civic skills among young people and create a pipeline for future civic leadership. Council members discussed including students who live outside city limits but attend local schools as at-large members.

Budget and staffing questions: Councilor Hancock noted no dedicated budget has been set. Staff said implementing the board would require a staff liaison (or two) and possible technical support for livestreaming and meeting coverage, which would require either staff time or a small budget line and potentially a budget amendment.

Next steps: Staff to produce a short cost estimate, identify a staff liaison and propose a recruitment timeline; council signaled general support to move forward but asked staff to return with details and an approach to volunteer recognition (for example, letters confirming volunteer hours).

Ending: Councilors praised the draft, asked staff to return with a budget estimate and operational plan, and expressed interest in launching the youth board as part of a fall civic-engagement push.