DATE: August 28, 2018
TO: Members of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Janine Atchison, Housing Coordinator
Title
Youth Representatives
Body
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
The City Council has appointed two youth representatives to the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Northfield offers a unique opportunity for youth to get involved in local government, make change, and help give youth a louder and more-often-heard voice. Opportunities include the Mayor’s Youth Council and the District Youth Council, as well as serving on City of Northfield Boards and Commissions.
The Mayor’s Youth Council works with the Mayor of Northfield to identify issues important to Northfield young people and help design and implement solutions. They provide a youth voice in civic affairs, advising both the mayor and City Council. The District Youth Council helps gather and provide youth input to the Northfield Public Schools and Northfield School Board.
A group of youth representatives were initially appointed to the Arts & Culture Commission, Library Board, Human Rights Commission, EQC, and the Park & Recreation Advisory Board in May of 2014. Since that time, several additional appointments to other boards and commissions have been approved by the Northfield City Council.
Youth appointments to Boards and Commissions are for a period of one year. The appointment follows the school calendar, and the appointments to the HRA are ex-officio, non-voting members. Each youth representative also serves on the Mayor’s Youth Council and shares the issues that are being addressed at HRA meetings with other students.
Youth representatives Mila Matney and Colin Bandy have been appointed to the Northfield HRA for the 2018/2019 school year.