Youth Commission

11 Members - 2 Year Terms

DUTIES :

The Youth Commission was formed to foster greater involvement of youth in municipal government, specifically to study any problems, activities and concerns of youth relating to municipal policies, programs or projects of the City of San Jose. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council and to the Recreation, Parks and Community Services Department on these issues, conducts forums to involve youth in the governmental decision-making process.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The Commission acts in an advisorsy capacity to the City Council with the Council as the final decision-making body. The Youth Commission also directly advises the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department on youth programs that are sponsored by the Department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The eleven members of this Commission serve two year terms. Commissioners must be at least 14 years old, and no more than 20 years old at the time of their appointment. One member is appointed from each City Council District, and must be a resident of that District. One member is appointed at large and must be a resident of the City of San Jose. Members are appointed to reflect as nearly as possible the diverse, demographic characteristics of the youth population of the City.

MEETINGS:

The Youth Commission meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall Council Chambers. In general, Commissioners spend 10-15 hours each month preparing for and attending the regular meeting. Commissioners may spend an additional five hours a month attending subcommittee meetings.

BENEFITS:

There is no compensation for serving on the Youth Commission..

POLITICAL REFORM ACT OF 1974 AS AMENDED:

The Conflict of Interest section of the Political Reform Act applies to the Youth Commission. However, Commissioners are not required to file Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests.

APPOINTMENT PROCESS :

The Council Member, in whose district the vacancy exists, makes appointments to the Youth Commission. Copies of all applications received will be submitted to the appropriate Council Member for review and selection. The newly appointed Youth Commissioners then participate in a swearing-in ceremony, which will be held during the evening session of a Council meeting.

ATTENDANCE :

Commissioners are expected to attend all Commission meetings. San Jose Municipal Code Section 2.08.060 requires that a Commissioner who has unexcused absences from any three consecutive regular meetings, or 20% of the meetings in a calendar year, is deemed to have resigned from the Commission.

For further information about the Committee, please contact the Committee Staff at 408-793-5559.