El Mirage council creates Youth Advisory Commission

The El Mirage Common Council on Sept. 16 adopted Resolution R25-09-11 establishing a Youth Advisory Commission and approving draft bylaws, a measure supporters said will bring young residents into city decision-making. The motion passed on a voice vote with the council indicating unanimous support.

Council supporters said the commission will provide students and other young residents a regular forum to report to the council and take part in community engagement. Council member Eldridge said, “I think this is an excellent idea,” and described meeting youth at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns conference as persuasive evidence of interest. The council discussed a timeline that would open applications soon and return to the council in March 2026 with appointment recommendations; the first term of appointment is anticipated to run through June 30, 2027.

City staff who drafted the proposal said department directors volunteered to help stand up the program; staff named in the presentation included Sean Van Roe, Amber Wakeman and Macy Walker. Council questions focused on staffing and budget. Council member Scottie Gentry asked whether the commission would require additional staff; staff and council clarified that no new full‑time position would be hired to run the commission and that current staff would support its work. The council said any program budget would be considered as part of the upcoming budget cycle.

Vice Mayor Parsons moved adoption of the resolution and Council member Donna Winston seconded. The motion passed; the council indicated unanimous approval. The mayor and staff encouraged the public to help spread the word when the application opens.