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Council backs concept to replace youth commission with shorter Youth Academy
Summary
Staff proposed converting the year‑round Youth Advisory Commission to a 6–8 week Youth Academy aimed at high‑school students to increase engagement and focus on city functions; council asked staff to return with a curriculum and timing proposal in September.
City staff told the council the current Youth Advisory Commission has faced recruitment and attendance challenges, with membership shrinking from eight to four and only two applicants last year. Staff proposed sunsetting the year‑long commission and replacing it with a 6–8 week Youth Academy modeled on the Police Citizens Academy to provide structured exposure to municipal departments, career paths and civic processes. The academy would be targeted at high‑school freshmen through juniors and run once per year with a cap of about 20 participants.
Council members generally supported the concept and suggested adding a capstone or one‑page memo from participants on a topic as a useful deliverable for the council to consider. Staff will return in September with a program outline and proposed dates for council review.
