Establishment
The Mayor's Youth Commission was established by Resolution 40502 on December 10, 2019 to advise on policies, codes, plans, and practices through a youth-lens; providing an opportunity for youth to engage in policy making decisions and local government. The Mayor's Youth Commission is a platform for youth in Tacoma to engage their local government and be a part of the important decisions being made right now that affect them and their community.
During the first six months of 2019, students from across Tacoma came together to discuss what changes they wanted to see in Tacoma and how they would achieve those changes. After months of conversation and learning, the students elected their inaugural 10-member leadership team in June of 2019 that would guide the full commission in its work. When the leadership team was sworn in, they were leading a Youth Commission of 70 Tacoma students.
Membership
The membership of the Youth Commission includes all members who have applied and have been added to the official roster by the staff liaison. Students interested in applying can use the link below. Any student in middle or high school is eligible to apply so long as they either live or attend school in Tacoma. Once you are added to the roster, you will receive regular emails from the staff liaison.
Youth Commission Leadership team at the National League of Cities Conference, Nov 2023
Apply to Join the Mayor's Youth Commission of Tacoma
Follow the Mayors Youth Commission on Instagram!
Check out links to other important MYCT Pages
The Committees
The Mayor's Youth Commission is organized into four committees that guide the work they want to do in Tacoma. Each is led by a Chair and Co-Chair elected by their committee, and are coordinated by the Commission Chair and Vice-Chair. Ad-hoc committee chairs when created are included below. Ad-hoc chairs are appointed by the leadership team and serve until the committee's purpose is fulfilled.
Justice and Safety Committee (J&S)
The Justice and Safety Committee strives to empower Tacomans to know their rights, improve school safety for students, and improve the safety for all Tacomans throughout the City.
Social Health Committee (SH)
The Social Health Committee focuses on student mental health, and programs that create social cohesion in communities.
Environmental Health Committee (EH)
The Environmental Committee focuses on advocating for environmental awareness and protecting Tacoma’s natural surroundings.
Education, Arts and Culture Committee (EA&C)
The Education, Arts and Culture Committee focuses on strengthening educational outcomes and partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, and creating opportunities for youth to share their art and culture in their schools and city.
Documents and Media
Article, Centering Youth in Local Government
Q13 News Clip on the First Elections, June 15, 2019
Resolution Formally Establishing the Mayor's Youth Commission of Tacoma
Youth Commission Bylaws as of November 13, 2019
Support for Peaceful Protests sent to Governor Inslee
Staff Support
Staffing support to the Mayor's Youth Commission is provided by the City Manager's Office.