REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Appointment of Youth Commissioners for the FY 2026/27 Term
Report
BACKGROUND
The Youth Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and makes recommendations on matters pertaining to the Santa Clara youth and teen population, particularly as they relate to municipal programs and City projects. The City Commission operates under the supervision of a staff liaison from the Parks & Recreation Department.
The Youth Commission was established in 1995 by Ordinance No. 1673, with eligibility criteria, powers, and responsibilities outlined in Resolution No. 6047. The candidate selection and recommendation process was updated in 2019 by Resolution No. 19-8706.
DISCUSSION
The Youth Commission is comprised of fifteen (15) appointed members and three (3) alternates. As of April 2026, eight (8) Youth Commissioners are eligible for reappointment, resulting in seven (7) Youth Commissioner vacancies, and three (3) alternate position vacancies to be filled by Council appointment.
On March 14, 2026, a selection panel interviewed twenty-three (23) candidates for the City of Santa Clara Youth Commission. In accordance with the approved process, the panel consisted of the Commission's Staff Liaison, a Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supervisor, and the outgoing Youth Commission Chairperson. The applicants were screened for eligibility and evaluated on their ability to represent the City's youth and teen population on the Youth Commission.
Following the interview process, the selection panel recommends the reappointment of eight (8) existing eligible commissioners, the appointment of seven (7) eligible candidates to serve on the Commission, and the conditional appointment of three (3) eligible candidates to serve as alternates. The alternates are non-voting members who will attend meetings and may fill a vacancy if a Youth Commissioner is unable to complete their term. Each Commissioner will serve a one-...
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