Youth Leadership Development

The Challenge/Opportunity:

Albany continues to lose the vibrancy of educated, energetic young people to other cities due to a lack of professional opportunities, unaffordability of housing and lack of cultural, entertainment amenities. If youth/young adults have something to say, I want to hear it.

SOLUTION

• Establish a Youth/Young Adult Advisory Board to provide feedback on existing and new programming ideas to make the city aware of emerging community needs for this vital demographic. This level of engagement and lived-experience will provide us with knowledge and perspective which is often lacking in our decision-making.

• Provide leadership opportunities to students through mentoring with city administrators and elected.

Goal:

• Establish a Youth/Young Adult Advisory Board to provide feedback on city programs and share emerging community needs, ensuring their perspectives shape decision-making.

• The board will also offer leadership opportunities through mentorship with city leaders to foster civic engagement and personal growth.