Title
Consider a Referral to Staff Related to the Formation of a City Youth Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider a Referral to Staff Related to the Formation of a City Youth Council.
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider a Referral to Staff Related to the Formation of a City Youth Council
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360-753-8244
Presenter(s):
Councilmember Yến Huỳnh
Background and Analysis:
Currently there is not a mechanism in place to ensure the voices of youth are contributing to our City government and decision making in a meaningful manner. Additionally, this is supported by City of Olympia Resolution No. M-2045, stating an ongoing commitment to working with youth.
The referral requests the hiring of consultant(s) would be tasked with researching successful youth council models and best practices, engaging and consulting with Olympia area youth, and providing a recommendation to the Olympia City Council on how best to stand up an Olympia Youth Council.
Recommendations and areas of interest include:
• Youth council structures and roles
• Age range for youth participants
• Youth representation from different schools in the area
• Amount of members
• Length of term
• Member recruitment
• How to meet youth where they are at (i.e. youth council convening during regular school hours, transportation)
• Creative meeting formats
• Scope and work plan
• Long term youth council sustainability
• Coordinating with partners (i.e. School Board, nonprofits)
• Compensation (stipend and/or school credit)
• The initial referral will go to staff for scoping and hiring of consultant.
Recommendations from the consultant would ultimately go to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee for review and vetting before being forwarded to the full Council for consideration.
The referral is sponsored by Councilmember Yến Huỳnh, with support from Councilmember Dani Madrone and Councilmember Lisa Parshley.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Youth are a critical part of the community, and a Youth Council would facilitate their voices being heard in local government.
Options:
1. Approve the referral to the Utility Advisory Committee.
2. Approve the referral, with amendments, to the Utility Advisory Committee.
3. Do not approve the referral to the Utility Advisory Committee.
Financial Impact:
The referral requests the use of $30,000 of Council goal money to use for a consultant to assist in the work.
Attachments:
Referral