Following in the steps of cities ranging from Sioux City, Iowa, to Charleston, South Carolina, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman have launched the Mayor's Youth Commissiona group of more than 30 students ages 14-19 from throughout the city selected to advise the mayor and her team on issues that impact Chicago's young people.
Lightfoot and First Lady Eshleman are chairing the commission and will facilitate the sustainable involvement of youth voice in local government. The inaugural class of Youth Commissioners will be charged with developing a vision and youth-focused agenda for Lightfoot's administration.
The Mayor's Youth Commission gathered Sept. 21 at City Hall for its kickoff meeting, during which they prepared for the city's first-ever Youth Budget Town Hall. The Youth Budget Town Hall will take place Wed., Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m., at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, 6130 S. Wolcott Ave.
Commissioners were nominated as youth leaders by Chicago-based community organizations including: Access Living, CAUSE, Agape Werks, BUILD, IL Muslim Civic Coalition, BRAVE Youth Leaders, JRTOC, IMAN, After School Matters, Chicago Public Schools, Steppenwolf Theatre's Young Adult Council, HANA Center, Central States SER, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, Center of Halsted, FloChicago, Mikva Challenge, Chicago Scholars, Northwestern Settlement House, Chi-Nation and Storycatchers Theatre.