Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves 27 appointments to Mayor’s Youth Council for 2024–25
Summary
The City Commission approved a resolution appointing 27 ninth–twelfth graders to the 2024–2025 Mayor’s Youth Council; staff said the cohort represents all three city wards, includes students from nine area high schools, and will focus on civic education, voter processes and a youth 'kids speak' event in April 2025.
The Grand Rapids Committee on Appointments approved a resolution to appoint 27 students to the 2024–2025 Mayor’s Youth Council.
Zach Leroway, program coordinator (speaker 3), told commissioners the cohort includes current ninth–12th graders from all three wards and nine different Grand Rapids area high schools. He said each candidate completed an application, interview and confirmed residency in the city.
“Each youth member has confirmed their intention to use their time in the NYC to better understand the functions of local city government and to use their collective voice to provide input on many issues affecting teens and other young adults,” Leroway said.
Commissioners praised the council’s growth and the candidates’ preparedness. One commissioner noted the Mayor’s Youth Council began in 1999 and said the current cohort is the 20th iteration of the program.
The committee approved the resolution by voice vote. Chair (speaker 1) announced the motion carried and congratulated the new council members.
The youth council will receive orientation and programming on election and voter processes, community engagement, and will host an annual "kids speak" event in April 2025 to amplify youth voices.
