Skokie staff propose 16‑member Youth Commission to boost civic engagement

The Village Board heard a proposal on Feb. 17 to establish a Skokie Youth Commission intended to elevate youth voices in local government and create leadership opportunities. Alex Franz, who led the staff workgroup, said the commission would be an advisory and action‑oriented body of 16 youth members (two representatives where possible from each public and private high school plus two at‑large members), appointed by the mayor with board consent and serving terms aligned to the school year (Aug. 1–June 30).

Franz said staff reviewed youth commissions in comparable Illinois communities and proposed a first‑year work plan including orientation to village government, presentations from police, fire and public works, a youth in government day, community outreach, and an annual report to the board. Anne Marie Bannuzzi (youth outreach coordinator) will serve as the staff liaison.

Trustees expressed broad support and asked about recruitment and diversity in outreach, whether interviews and background checks would be used where appropriate, and how to accommodate student schedules. Franz said applications would use the village’s existing boards‑and‑commissions portal, with targeted outreach to high schools, guidance counselors and partner organizations. The proposal will return to the board as an ordinance for second reading and possible adoption on March 2.