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Board moves forward on ordinance to create Santa Cruz County Youth Commission
Summary
Supervisors voted to advance an ordinance to establish an 11‑member Youth Commission (ages 14–18) to advise the Board of Supervisors; the board amended selection language so the Board Chair will appoint six at‑large members with preference for specified stakeholder groups.
The Board of Supervisors voted March 24 to advance in concept an ordinance creating a Youth Commission to provide youth perspectives to county decision‑making.
CEO staff described the proposed commission as 11 members, primarily high‑school students, with one district seat per supervisor and six at‑large seats representing prioritized stakeholder groups (e.g., youth of color, youth from rural/unincorporated areas, low‑income youth, youth with disabilities, children of immigrant/farm‑worker families, LGBTQ+ youth). Terms would be one year with a possible second year in limited cases.
Supervisor Koenig moved and the board approved an amendment specifying that the Board Chair will appoint the six at‑large members with stated preferences, while retaining the original 14–18 age range. County counsel confirmed the requested edits can be incorporated without returning for a first reading; staff will bring the ordinance back for final adoption at a subsequent meeting.
Public comment included prior task‑force members and community advocates who supported the commission and noted broad youth interest: the Youth Advisory Task Force had received more than 70 applications and the task force recommended a standing commission rather than ad‑hoc engagement. Supervisors asked staff to run a recruitment and outreach plan through school districts and youth‑serving organizations.
Next steps: staff will open an application period, coordinate outreach with school districts and community partners, and return to the board for final ordinance adoption and appointments.
