City Council Work Session

Return to the Search Page Return to the Agenda

Meeting Date:	11/29/2022
From:	Jenna Ortega, Sustainability Coordinator
Department:
Co-Submitter:

TITLE:

Youth Climate Advisory Group Introduction and Update

DESIRED OUTCOME:

This is an informational update on the Flagstaff Youth Climate Advisory Group.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Sustainability Office established a Youth Climate Advisory Group to support opportunities for youth leadership, involvement, and input in decision-making. Youth advisors have a seat at the table alongside Sustainability staff to offer recommendations on existing climate programs and to create new youth-led climate action opportunities.

At this meeting, members of the first Flagstaff Youth Climate Advisory group will introduce themselves and present their accomplishments, current projects, and future objectives. This work session is an opportunity for Council to meet our youth advisors, learn about their work, and provide feedback.

Background:
Climate Advisory Groups were identified as a high priority need during the Carbon Neutrality Plan development process. These groups help us better connect with residents, understand needs, and serve our community. Advisory members are essential as we work to achieve Flagstaff’s climate and carbon neutrality goals. Members work alongside staff to improve the ways the City takes climate action.

The first Youth Advisory cohort launched in March 2022 and will continue for a 15-month term, ending in May 2023. Throughout the academic year, students meet every other week. Youth Advisory members are in grades 8^th - 12^thand come from three schools. Youth members are currently working to expand membership to include broader representation of Flagstaff schools.

INFORMATION:

Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan, and Carbon Neutrality Plan:
Council Goals:
Take meaningful climate change action.

PPB Objectives
Safe & Healthy Community

Enhance community engagement & strengthen relationships between the community & public safety services

Inclusive & Engaged Community

Foster community pride & civic engagement by increasing opportunities for public involvement, in line with best practices & legal requirements

Regional Plan
Goal E&C.2. Achieve carbon neutrality for the Flagstaff community by 2030.
Goal E&C.3. Prepare Flagstaff’s community systems and resources to be more resilient to climate change impacts, and address climate change in a manner that prioritizes those most impacted and ensures the costs and benefits of climate adaptation and mitigation are equitably distributed.

CNP
ES-2: Proactively engage community members on an ongoing basis.

Attachments
Youth Advisory Update