07/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/07/2025 17:16
City of Long Beach Public Information Office411 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802https://www.longbeach.gov
Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development's Youth Advisory Council. The council, now in its fourth year, is a body of 11 young people who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, annual Youth Summit and other systems of positive youth development.
"The Youth Advisory Council is a vital space for young leaders to share their voices and ideas," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "By participating, local youth will make a lasting impact in Long Beach by driving positive change and helping shape the future of our community."
To be eligible, applicants must:
The Youth Advisory Council is composed of representatives from all council districts, including at-large members dedicated to promoting health equity in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes. Youth council members will be compensated with a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $1,100, for a one-year term. Those selected will also receive coaching and development opportunities by City staff.
Application details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Advisory Council Application webpage. Youth may submit their application online. Those without computer or smart phone access may visit the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.), any Long Beach Public Library location, or any Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Center during regular business hours to submit their digital applications. Applications will be accepted now through July 31, 2025; selected members will be notified approximately four weeks later.
"Serving on the Youth Advisory Council has helped me better understand how the city supports young people," said current youth council member David Word. "It's given me the confidence and knowledge to speak up, get involved and make a difference in my community."
In 2025, the council continued to expand its regional engagement by partnering with the LA City Youth Council at a youth council gathering. Additionally, the council led the Youth Power Participatory Budgeting process, helping direct Measure US Youth Fund dollars to youth-serving organizations and more than tripling last year's voter participation. This year, the council also organized Youth Week 2025, a citywide celebration of youth leadership and creativity, contributing to the progress of the Youth Strategic Plan by highlighting accomplishments and outlining future priorities for City Council.
The Youth Advisory Council was established following recommendations from the 2022 Youth Design Sessions, where young people from across the city provided insights into outreach strategies, application procedures, selection criteria and retention strategies. The council plays a central role in advancing the Long Beach Youth Strategic Plan through action teams that collaborate with City commissions, departments, community partners and the Mayor's Office. Members also serve as liaisons within their districts to ensure that diverse youth voices are integrated into citywide initiatives.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
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