Mayor Nickels engages young people to
bring fresh ideas and perspectives

"I had some wonderful opportunities to find my civic passion when I was young. I hope members of the Mayor’s Youth Council will have that same chance to engage, impact and connect with leaders and their community." -- Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels Links: Meet the Mayor’s Youth Council members News Releases: Mayor Nickels Invites Youth to Make a Difference

Download an application to
join the Mayor’s Youth Council
- Acrobat PDF

When Mayor Greg Nickels called his first Youth Town Hall in March of 2002, more than 200 young people came to voice their opinions.  Seeing the need for youth to be represented and involved in city government, Mayor Nickels began the Mayor’s Youth Council.

“I want teenagers to help us work on issues that are important to them and to Seattle,” Nickels said. “This is a chance for young people to make their voice heard while making a difference in their city.  We need fresh ideas and perspectives in city government.”

The Mayor's Youth Council has 17 members, representing the 13 geographic areas of Seattle. Members have an opportunity to make an impact in their community, engage with city leaders and connect with their peers. The Council meets twice monthly, conducting outreach and collecting input from teens all across Seattle.

The Mayor’s Youth Council is founded on three main principles:

• Connect with students, youth and community leaders.
• Engage with Mayor Greg Nickels and City of Seattle staff.
• Impact local government and your community.

Youth members gain tremendous experience on the council:

• Skills and knowledge: Participate in ongoing trainings to build leadership skills and knowledge of civic engagement.
• Youth voice: Discuss solutions to community issues and formulate and present policy recommendations to the Mayor.
• Learn about city government: Interact with Mayor Greg Nickels, City of Seattle staff and department directors.
• Organize youth events: Host the Mayor's Youth Town Hall, Youth Community Meetings to discuss important community issues impacting youth today.

  Contact the Mayor’s Youth Council

For more information about the Mayor's Youth Council, of if you'd like to apply to become a member of the Mayor's Youth Council, you can reach us at: (206)733-9588 or e-mail Jenny Frankl with the Department of Neighborhoods at jenny.frankl@seattle.gov