Norwalk reestablishes youth commission

NORWALK - Norwalk City Council voted on Tuesday to reestablish a Youth Commission for the city after an around 15-year absence.

Commissioners will be between the ages of 13 and 18, currently living in the City of Norwalk and either in high school or recently graduated. The city plans on being as far reaching and inclusive as possible, including youth from various grade levels and schools.

Terms would expire every two years.

According to staff, return of the commission would be of benefit for both the city and for the development of Norwalk’s youth.

With it, staff says that they’d gain valuable input on youth perspective, enabling them to improve recreational programs and city events. The city could also use this information to help shape future development opportunities.

Youth commissioners would also gain the opportunity to learn about civic and local government operations.

The city’s previous commission dissolved in 2005. Discussions for its return began at the end of last year.

Before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, staff had polled the Teen Alliance Program to measure if there was any interest amongst teens to bring back the youth commission, receiving positive feedback and developing a list of around 40 individuals who had expressed interest.

Council approved the commission’s reestablishment on a 4-0 vote with Councilwoman Ana Valencia absent.