Publication Details

Youth boards that report to local government

Type: Paper

Author(s): Marchetti, Lauren M.; Pullen-Seufert, Nancy; Collard de Beaufort, A.

Collection title: How Local Governments are Engaging Youth: An Opportunity to Connect with Transportation, a three-part series

Publisher: National Center for Safe Routes to School

Url: https://www.visionzeroforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VZY_Boards.pdf

Publication Date: 2025

Abstract: Communities are engaging with youth in local government in meaningful ways and enjoying the benefits. We looked at three ways municipalities engage youth: inviting youth to serve on local boards and commissions, creating youth-only boards that report to local government on various issues, and involving youth in specific community initiatives. Youth boards established by cities, counties, and other local governments provide unique perspectives into issues communities and their youth care about. Road safety and transportation are among those issues. These youth-only groups also provide opportunities for civic engagement, leadership skill building, and professional development. To understand the characteristics of youth boards (sometimes called youth councils) and their involvement with transportation issues, we used a combination of interviews with local government staff and a review of 30 websites describing youth advisory boards.