Commission hears youth council concerns: mental health, access and a proposed youth hub

Commissioners reviewed a detailed summary of a recent session with the Lacey Youth Council that flagged mental health, lack of consistent school counseling, limited youth internships and barriers for immigrant and marginalized youth.

Staff presented themes from the youth meeting: widespread anxiety about adulthood and career pathways, concerns about social media and AI’s effects on well‑being, limited access to counselors focused on emotional and mental‑health needs, and the need for structured summer and winter activities. Commissioners amplified the mental‑health concern after a member reported a recent local incident involving an eighth‑grade student’s suicide; the chair said the incident underscored the urgency of better supports and outreach.

Youth suggested concrete priorities: workforce training, mentorships, a youth summit that addresses 'adulting' skills, and a youth hub or center providing mental‑health referrals, internships and safe space. Commissioners urged staff to pass the youth feedback to school district leaders and city decision makers; some commissioners recommended a work session with school‑district leadership.

Next steps: staff will update the youth meeting notes to include the mental‑health emphasis and will present the findings to relevant city and school leadership and include the topic in future commission work planning.