In an effort to bridge gaps in youth representation among government boards and committees in Santa Cruz County, the board of supervisors will adopt an ordinance next week establishing a youth commission to advise the board.
The county has around 40 standing committees and commissions that are appointed by the board of supervisors. To form the commission, the executive office reached out to all high schools in the county, contacting counselors, principals and administrative staff. The commission will be composed of 11 high school students. Five of them will be appointed by a supervisor — one youth representative per supervisorial district — and six will hold at-large seats. Applications for the youth commission will open in April.
A task force created a list of underrepresented demographics it would like to see holding seats, which includes youth of color and those with a physical or learning disability, youth living in a rural or unincorporated area, youth living with an immigrant and/or farmworker family background and those who identify as low-income or LGBTQ+.
After its establishment in October 2024, the task force conceived the idea for a youth commission, exploring ways to engage young people across age groups. In June 2025, the task force conducted a survey of youth aged 14 to 24 to understand the issues that matter most to them and gauge their interest in civic participation.
The survey revealed high interest among high school students in joining a standing youth advisory body. Survey data also identified five top-ranked concerns among youth in the county, including mental health, homelessness, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and education.
Youth commission members will be recruited each spring, meeting once a month during the school year from August to June, and recessing July. Members will serve one-year terms, with the option to serve up to two consecutive terms.
The county executive office’s fiscal year budget includes money to support the task force, and a similar amount will be earmarked to support the stipends and work of the youth commission. Members will receive a $75 stipend for each meeting attended, and meeting locations rotate throughout the county. The executive office offers bus passes to students to support transportation needs.
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your news releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
