As Long Beach’s Youth Advisory Council prepares to welcome its fifth annual cohort, local youth ages 16 to 26 are invited to simultaneously lead and contribute to the city’s future.
In this role, councilmembers will have the opportunity to work on City policies, programs and funding related to the city’s youth, such as the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the annual Youth Summit and Measure US Youth Fund investments.
The Youth Advisory Council falls under the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Youth Development.
“Investing in young people means investing in the future of Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Our Youth Advisory Council continues to demonstrate that young people bring valuable ideas, fresh perspectives and real leadership to City decision making. Their voices help shape policies and programs that strengthen our community.”
Eligibility requirements for the Youth Advisory Council include the following:
- Be between 16 and 26 years old by Sept. 1
- Live in Long Beach
- Be available to attend two-hour meetings twice each month at locations across the city
- Have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach
The Youth Advisory Council consists of nine members representing each of the Long Beach City Council districts and two at-large members pursuing health equity in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes. According to the City, the members ensure diverse youth perspectives are reflected in City initiatives.
Additional benefits for members include a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $1,100 for the full term, as well as professional coaching and leadership development opportunities courtesy of City Staff.
Applications can be accessed through the online application portal. Youth who don’t have computer or smartphone access may submit an application at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.), at any of the dozen Long Beach Public Library branches or at one of the six Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Centers during regular business hours.
Those who have been selected will be notified around four weeks after the application deadline.
“Serving on the Youth Advisory Council changed the way I think about leadership and civic engagement,” said Nyechelle Shaw, current Youth Advisory Councilmember, in a public statement. “We weren’t just asked for our opinions, we were trusted to help shape real projects that affect young people across Long Beach. It showed me that youth voices aren’t just valued: they’re essential.”
This past year, Youth Advisory Council members have participated in the City’s Mental Health is Just Health campaign and the Youth Voices series with the Long Beach Community Action Partnership and the Public Access Digital Network. They’ve also guided the Youth Power Participatory Budgeting process for Measure US Youth Fund investments and organized the three-day youth empowerment event Youth Connect 2026.
The Youth Advisory Council was founded in 2022 as a result of that year’s Youth Design Sessions and is aligned with Long Beach’s Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.
For more information about Long Beach’s Youth Advisory Council and Office of Youth Development, check out longbeach.gov/youth.
