By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously approved a recommendation by the city for the formation of a Youth Advisory Commission at last week’s City Council meeting.
The Youth Advisory Commission proposed by the city would be comprised of 13 Citrus Heights students who are entering grades eight through 12 and reside in the City of Citrus Heights. This could include students who are from public schools, charter schools, private schools, or homeschooled students.
Councilmember Jayna Karpinski-Costa suggested during the meeting that the commission should include at least one student representing each local public middle school, K-8, and high school, and that the city should encourage school personnel to recommend students to apply. Karpinski-Costa also suggested students should submit recommendation letters when they apply.
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson and Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff expressed their enthusiasm regarding the proposal, with Lopez-Taff saying, she was “very very excited” about establishing a Youth Advisory Commission.
Meetings are to be held monthly between September and May. Members would serve a one-year term and may be reappointed for one additional term, for a maximum of two years consecutively. The Youth Advisory Commission will be supported through the City Clerk’s Office, and staff will develop an application process and conduct outreach to schools, through social media, and to community organizations.
“Youth engagement is a critical component of building a vibrant and inclusive community,” the city said, adding that other municipalities have successfully implemented youth advisory bodies. The benefits of a youth advisory commission include allowing a platform for youth voices in local government, encouraging civic responsibility, developing leadership skills, and strengthening connections between young residents and city decision-makers.
The city listed several responsibilities of a youth advisory commission, including
- Advising the council and staff on policies, programs, and initiatives impacting youth
- participating in community projects and city events, serving as ambassadors for city programs.
- providing recommendations to enhance youth engagement in civic life and community development
- participating in community projects and city events, serving as ambassadors for city programs
- reviewing and commenting on proposed ordinances of programs affecting youth,
- identifying and proposing youth-led initiatives aligned with city priorities
- preparing and presenting an annual report summarizing activities, recommendations, and accomplishments
Members of the youth advisory commission would be required to attend monthly meetings and periodic city council meetings in order to maintain active participation, the city said, although a specific number of meetings required for participation was not listed. Members of the commission will not receive compensation.
The fiscal impact of a Youth Commission will involve staff time to provide oversight, scheduling for monthly meetings, and other administrative support. Any additional funding needs for youth-centered events or projects would be presented by the commission to the City Council for consideration during the budget process.
The City Council Education and Community Programs 2×2 Ad Hoc Committee will review Youth Advisory Commission applications and recommend youth members to the City Council for approval at a later date.
