Youth Commission

Interested in Joining?

Youth Commission

Take the Spotlight: Present your bold ideas directly to the Mayor, City Council, and key committees—your voice can shape the future!
Lead Game-Changing Events: Plan and host major city-wide youth events like the Youth Conference and Summit, making a real difference in your community.
Be the Change-Maker: Take real civic action—attend meetings, collaborate with other youth leaders, and make your mark through hands-on involvement and special training sessions!

Apply for the Commission

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Be a Youth Advocate: Be a voice that influences the policies and programs affecting young people in your district!
Earn Community Service Hours: Get community service hours for your time and contributions.
Make a Difference: Promote events, support your district, and get hands-on experience in writing policy memos—a key step in launching your future career in civics or politics.

Apply for YAC

For those over 20, consider participating in the City of San José's Library and Education Commission.

About the Commission

The Youth Commission is the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, which empowers and encourages youth to be civically engaged through local and city-wide events and initiatives. Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.

The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities. The Youth Commission establishing ordinance can be found in the Municipal Code 2.08.4800. Their role aligns with the San José Education Initiative City Council Policy 0-30. According to a recent memo, the Library Department is the City lead in establishing the framework and quality standards supporting the San José Education Initiative Policy, thus the oversight and management of the Youth Commission has been shifted to the Library Department from the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department.

Commissioner Responsibilities

Age Requirement: Commissioners must be between 14 and 20 years old to apply.
Residency: Commissioners must reside in the City District they wish to represent (check your City District).
Responsibilities and Conduct: Commissioners must adhere to core values, follow an honor code, and fulfill various responsibilities.
Have your Voice Heard: Present recommendations to City Council and Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
Leadership Experience: Present an annual work plan to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
Attend Commission meetings: Commissioners cannot miss three consecutive regular meetings. Absence from three consecutive regular meetings equates to a resignation from the Commission. Attendance is tracked for all meetings.
Be an Advocate for Youth: Hold forums in community to involve youth in decision-making processes.
Create Epic Events: Help sponsor the annual San José Citywide Youth Conference.
Learn About City Finances: Host annual youth advisory council summit for input on the City Budget.
Take Your Learning Further: Commissioners may be required to spend additional hours attending trainings or ad hoc working meetings.

Core Values and Honor Code

Core Values

Honor Code

Prioritize the Youth Commission over other responsibilities (to a reasonable extent).
Attend all meetings, trainings, and other mandatory events (exempting excused absences).
Thoroughly complete and submit all work on time, such as monthly reports and Commissioner assignments.
Maintain an active level of communication.
Inform staff members of any absences at least 24 hours in advance.
Abide by Brown Act in all forms of communication.
Understand you represent the City of San José in all public settings.
Using technology only when appropriate and only for commission related work.
Consistently practice active listening, attentiveness, and maintaining respect for all communities.
Be the voice for youth in your district.

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Attending Meetings

The Youth Commission meets the 4th Monday of the month beginning at 6:30 PM. The Youth Commission does not meet in the months of June and July. Meetings are predominantly held in Council Chambers, but always refer to the meeting agenda to confirm the meeting location.

San José Youth Commission Budget Priorities Summit

Jan 26th | 1:30pm - 5:30pm

King Library
San José Youth Commission Meeting

Jan 27th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

City of San Jose
San José Youth Commission Meeting

Feb 24th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

San José City Council Chambers
San José Youth Commission Meeting

Mar 19th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm

King Library
San José Youth Commission Meeting

Apr 28th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

San José City Council Chambers
San José Youth Commission Meeting

May 19th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

San José City Council Chambers

View more events

Blog Post

Youth Herald: We Changed the Law!

Learn how the Youth Commission changed the Law to enhance participation and expand the voice of the youth in the City of San Jose.

Youth Commission

Blog Post

Youth Herald: District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz Interview

An Interview with District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz.

Youth Commission

Blog Post

Youth Herald: We Changed the Law!

Learn how the Youth Commission changed the Law to enhance participation and expand the voice of the youth in the City of San Jose.

Youth Commission

Blog Post

Youth Herald: District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz Interview

An Interview with District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz.

Youth Commission

Commission Membership & Roster

The Youth Commission has 11 members, including one member appointed by each City Council District and one citywide/at-large member appointed by the Mayor. Each Commissioner is appointed to a two-year term. There is a limit of two terms for a total of four years.

* Eligible for reappointment