Youth participation in public policy at the local level: New lessons from Michigan municipalities

Abstract

The article examines an effort by the Council of Michigan Foundations to involve youth and young adults in political planning in municipal governments in Michigan. A network of community foundations established youth advisory councils to devise means of involving young people in charitable and public service activities. The role of state and local public officers and legislators in working with those councils is described. The Mayor's Youth Council of Grand Rapids, Michigan is used as an example of how the program operates in a relatively large city while the Youth Advisory Committee of Southfield, Michigan is used as an example of the program in a suburban community.