Resident proposes Morehead youth poet laureate to engage young writers

At the March 16, 2026 meeting of the Moorhead Art and Culture Commission, a Ward 3 resident identified only as M proposed establishing a youth poet laureate program to engage young writers and celebrate locally centered work.

M outlined a four‑step plan for selection and celebration and argued the program could be implemented at no direct cost to the city. “I’d like to propose an opportunity for the Arts and Culture Commission to engage young community members, inspire Morehead centered art, and celebrate written arts in our community,” M said.

The proposal called for a call to local schools and youth programs for residents aged 13 to 20 to submit poems, blind scoring by commissioners and volunteers, a recommendation to the City Council for approval, and announcements timed with National Poetry Month. M suggested winners would participate in a year‑long peer network and read at council meetings.

City staff asked the commission for direction on next steps and for time to research any state or policy requirements. Ethan, a city staff member, said staff would look into legal and policy alignment and return with logistical details: “We can definitely explore this and then bring it back at a future meeting and put it on the agenda for further discussion.”

Commissioners expressed support during the public comment exchange and asked staff to determine what procedural steps or policy tweaks might be needed to align a youth laureate with the city’s public art policy. The commission did not take formal action; staff will report back with findings and a potential agenda item for formal consideration.

Next steps: staff will research state precedents and policy alignment and return to the commission with a draft proposal and recommended calendar.