To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners' Office
Prepared By:
prepared
Kendra Davis, Management Analyst, Commissioners' Office; Nico Johnson, Management Analyst, Commissioners' Office
end
presenter
Presenter: Nico Johnson, Management Analyst, Commissioners' Office; Kendra Davis, Management Analyst, Commissioners' Office
end
Subject:
title
11:00 AM *Youth Engagement Proposal
end
Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Board of County Commissioners is asked to provide feedback and direction on a youth engagement proposal that includes details on possible formats, a review of available options within the County and through neighboring jurisdictions, and a recommendation for a youth internship program that fits the County's capacity and priorities, as well as an opportunity to provide more structured engagement options for high school students.
end
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Workforce and Community Prosperity - Expand apprenticeship programs, internships, and workforce training opportunities.
Background and Discussion: In late 2025, the Board of County Commissioners requested additional information and options to foster youth engagement with the County. Staff prepared a memo that provides details on a variety of youth engagement programs and an overview of how the County and other local governments engage youth currently.
After conducting research on possible and existing programs, staff found that there were a number of ways to engage youth in local government activities, including:
* Youth advisory boards/councils
* Appointment of youth to existing boards and committees
* Youth forums
* Youth internships
Most of these examples require significant staff time and/or resources in order to ensure their success. Additionally, staff found great options for many of these opportunities already being offered in the region. Details on these and some of the available programs are listed in th...
Click here for full text