Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 02/19/2019
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible approval of changes to the Broken Arrow Youth City Council program
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Background:
The Broken Arrow Youth City Council was established in 2001. Youth City Council provides a great opportunity for high school students to learn how municipal government works, obtain an understanding of local policy-making and help serve their community. Vice Mayor Scott Eudey and Councilor Johnnie Parks are currently the City Council sponsors of the program.
Recruitment takes place each summer with applications sought from rising juniors for the following school year. Students who are accepted to the program are encouraged to commit to two years of service. The average size for the Youth Council is 15-20 students. Typically, seniors in the Youth City Council are provided the opportunity to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference each March in Washington, DC.
City staff and sponsors would like to grow the program starting next school year by expanding the recruitment to sophomores and requesting a three-year commitment. This change would allow the younger students to learn from the seniors and prepare for leadership roles in their third year. Expanding the program could also provide opportunities for junior members to attend the NLC summit in the fall or other training events. NLC provides youth council programming at both major annual conferences. Funding for the Youth Council program and travel expenses are budgeted in the General Government fund. Students are responsible for fundraising for part of their travel expenses.
Cost: $3,500.00 - Additional estimated travel expense
Funding Source: General Fund, General Government
Requested By: Jennifer Hooks, Community Relations Liaison
Approved By: Michael L. Spurgeon, City Manager
Attachments: None
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve changes to the Youth City Council program.
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