What is the Mayor’s Youth Council?
Mayor Bill White has renewed the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) started in 1998. The mission of the MYC provides high school students the opportunity to develop leadership and citizenship skills while learning about city government. The MYC is modeled after the elected City Council with a Chair, City Secretary, At-Large and District Council Members. There are also Senior Aide positions to support the work of the council.

What does the Mayor’s Youth Council Do?
The MYC meets twice a month. The regular Council meeting is held in the City Council Chambers, located at the City Hall Annex in Downtown Houston. Meetings are scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month and begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the general public and are televised by the Municipal Channel. The planning meeting is usually held on the first Saturday of the month in the morning to discuss and review upcoming activities and tasks. These include Town Hall meetings around the city, community service projects and special events.

Why should I get involved?
Youth Council members develop a sense of personal growth and achievement, a profound understanding of city departments and a rapport with community leaders, citizens and elected officials. Members are called upon to help make decisions affecting Houston’s youth as well as participate in numerous activities throughout the year.

How do I qualify?
Applicants must be a high school student that resides in or attends school in the City of Houston, generally between the ages of fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) years of age, demonstrates strong interests in gaining knowledge about city government and promoting discussion on youth-related issues, shows excellent abilities in organizing and presenting information, and works well with young people from a variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

How do I get selected?
There is an application and waiver for participants to complete and have signed by a parent/guardian. A selection committee will review the applications and interview final candidates. Individuals who have a strong interest in city government and a commitment of time and effort will be given preference.