Title
Youth Council Update and Approval of a Recommendation to Appoint Members to Fill Vacancies and Reappoint Members to the Olympia Youth Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies and reappointments to the Olympia Youth Council for the 2026-2027 term and forward the recommendation to the City Council for approval
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies and reappointments to the Olympia Youth Council for the 2026-2027 term and forward the recommendation to the City Council for approval.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Donovan Jojola, Youth Council Chair
Kaelyn Velasquez, Vice Chair, Outreach Subcommittee
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Youth Council provides an opportunity for Olympia youth to engage with City government, learn about municipal decision-making, and provide perspectives and recommendations on issues affecting young people and the broader community.
During the past year, the Youth Council has continued to explore ways to strengthen youth engagement in local government, including collaborating with the Lacey Youth Council on a Youth Summit, partnering with Intercity Transit on a youth-led PSA encouraging public transportation use, and developing recommendations for making public policy information more accessible to youth.
Other work plan items upcoming are a discussion regarding third places for Youth, mental health for resources for Youth briefing and a Youth Council retreat.
The application period for the Olympia Youth Council was open from May 1 through May 31. The City received 21 applications to fill 14 upcoming vacancies, and all applicants were invited to participate in interviews.
On July 13, 15, and 20, an interview committee consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Huynh, Youth Council Chair Donovan Jojola, ...
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