Apply by Jan 5 to Be a Youth Commissioner

Want to be on the City's first official Youth Commission? Find an application packet here, or pick one up at City Hall. Turn in completed applications by Jan 5. For residents 14-18 years old.

• Make a direct impact on your community
• Advise the City Council
• Gain valuable experience in local government
• Spotlight issues important to younger residents
• Help shape Columbia Heights laws and policies
• Learn from experts from a variety of fields
• Put it on your resume and college application

On Oct 25, 2021, the Columbia Heights City Council approved amending the City Code to create a Columbia Heights Youth Commission. The first of its kind in Columbia Heights. The purpose of the Columbia Heights Youth Commission will be to serve as an advisory body to the Columbia Heights City Council, and other boards and commissions as appropriate, inspire and bring to light new ideas from a youth perspective, create an educational environment for youth looking to expand their knowledge of government and leadership functions, and provide experience-building opportunities for area youth seeking increased community and government engagement.

City Code designates that the commission will be composed of no less than seven members and no more than 20 members, with a staff mentor and a councilmember liaison. Members must be between the ages of 14-18 years old. Because this will be an official government body, like any other board or commission, members must also be residents of the City of Columbia Heights. Youth Commission members serve two-year, staggered terms. Normal terms will run from Oct 1 to Sept 30. The current plan is for monthly meetings to be held the second Wednesday of the month, Oct through May, 6-7:30 pm, though youth commission members will have the chance to work with staff and council members to amend the schedule and revise by-laws once the first term gets started. The first meeting is scheduled for Feb 9.
12-6-2021