To: YOUTH COMMISSION
From: KELLY ORTA, DEPUTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIORITIZED LIST OF PROJECTS AND DESIRED FOCUS AREAS THROUGHOUT THE NEXT YEAR
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EXISTING SUBCOMMITTEES AND DETERMINATION OF WHETHER ANY SHOULD REMAIN ACTIVE
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BACKGROUND
The purpose and structure of the Youth Commission (Commission) is outlined in the Redondo Beach Municipal Code. Specifically, RBMC § 2-9.602 includes the following roles and purposes:
The purpose of the Youth Commission is to expose Redondo students to city government processes and proceedings and to represent youth perspectives in city policies and projects. Duties are as follows:
a) Report to the City Council semi-annually on youth needs and priorities related to city policies and projects;
b) Remain informed on the programs providing youth services to Redondo Beach youth (annual review);
c) Research, formulate, suggest proposed policies, programs and services designed to meet the needs of Redondo Beach youth;
d) Review and evaluate requests from the staff liaison, City Manager, or City Council pertaining to youth-related policies/services;
e) Maintain liaison with the youth organizations in other cities, and/or youth-related agencies, and
f) Represent the Youth Commission when requested to do so.
With this in mind, staff recommends the Commission consider developing a prioritized list of projects and desired focus areas for the next year or so, which will help identify and inform future discussions and policy recommendations.
Existing Subcommittees
The Commission has developed a number of subcommittees, which are smaller group-led work that is focused on a specific task. Subcommittees provide an opportunity for commissioners to work together outside of regular meetings to enhance efficiency and provide opportunities for more flexible conversations with experts within the subject matter. Existing subcommittees include the following:
Communications & Social Media Subcommittee
Purpose: Determine a manageable strategy for ensuring ongoing and regular social media posts, which consideration of utilizing multiple platforms to increase outreach efforts. Consider creative ways to promote the work of the Youth Commission, events, activities, and updates to the City’s website to be more teen-focused, where appropriate.
Teen Center & Events Subcommittee
Purpose: Provide ongoing support for teen programs, services, and events, held throughout the City, with special consideration for small business activations, teen entrepreneur events, potential fundraiser(s) for the Teen Center, and teen-focused activations on the Pier. Work with staff to determine whether teen artwork can be displayed at the Teen Center.
E-Bikes
In addition to the work of the subcommittees, the Commission identified E-bike use and safety as a top priority last year. The Commission received multiple presentations on this topic from the Public Works team and the Police Department. Following these presentations, the Commission did not express an interest or need for additional resources.
City Council’s Strategic Plan
Annually, the City Council reviews its Strategic Plan, which is a guiding document that focuses the work and resources of the City throughout the term of the plan. Included in the current plan is one item related to the Youth Commission, including:
Goal 3.2: Expand and Enhance Public Spaces, Amenities, and Programs
(47) Continue to develop programming for the Perry Park Teen Center in conjunction with the Youth Commission and teen facility users.
The Commission continues to address this goal through its subcommittee work and event development efforts.
Staff recommends the Commission:
• Develop a one-year work plan, considering the following:
o Work initiatives of the former commission
o Active subcommittees
o City Council’s Strategic Plan item related to the Youth Commission
o And any other ideas that are of value to teens
• Review and consider whether to continue the work of active subcommittees, or if they should be retired to allow for a different approach. If any subcommittee is created or selected to continue, staff recommends the Commission appoint no more than seven members to serve on each.
ATTACHMENTS
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