Olympia opens applications for Youth Council, due by September 11

Olympia is offering young people an opportunity to influence city policy and decision-making by joining the Youth Council.

The city has opened the application for the Youth Council. The structured advisory group will provide a platform for young people to engage and share their perspectives, study local issues, and develop recommendations for the Olympia City Council.

The application is open to Olympia–area youth aged 14-20. The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee will review applications and interview qualified candidates before recommending appointments to the full council.

Applicants are advised to keep their evenings free on September 18 and 19, 2024, as they may be called for interviews.

Key dates for successful applicants are:

• October 8, 2025: Official appointments announced
• November 6, 13, and 20, 2025: Training and onboarding sessions
• January 15, 2025: First official meeting of the Youth Council

To reduce barriers to involvement, the city is offering stipends to advisory committee members. Participants will receive $25 per meeting attended, and those who certify as low-income are eligible for an increased stipend of $50 per meeting. Committee members have the option to waive the stipend if they choose.

For more information on how to apply and participate in this initiative, young Olympians should contact the City of Olympia's community engagement office. Those with questions about the program or the application process can contact Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, via email or phone at 360-753-8244.

The application submission deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 11 5:00 p.m. PST.