Jackson council directs staff to partner with VoicesJH on sister‑city working group, include youth

Jackson, Wyo. — The Town Council on Nov. 17 directed staff to work with VoicesJH to establish a working group centered on the town’s sister‑city relationship with a municipality in Tlaxcala, Mexico, and to include youth members and outreach to diverse community networks.

Susan Scarlata, director of external affairs, said the recommendation evolved from earlier conversations about creating a community engagement task force; staff believe VoicesJH — a community engagement organization — can help the town reach underrepresented residents, conduct listening sessions, and educate new participants about local government processes. Scarlata outlined potential activities including youth participation, surveys, focus groups and an open day at town hall.

Councilors supported the direction and added that the working group should aim to be broadly representative of the community and coordinate with partners such as the school and chamber for events. Councilor Sperry moved to direct staff to work with VoicesJH to establish the working group and include youth members; the council approved the motion unanimously. A companion motion directing staff to help educate VoicesJH’s Eastern European and Latine networks about civic engagement and town services also passed.

Next steps: staff will work with VoicesJH to determine goals, membership and outreach methods and return as needed with recommendations and any resource requests.