In February 2016, the City Council requested that staff research the establishment of a Youth in Government Day in concert with the Garden Grove Unified High School District (GGUHSD).   The purpose of the one-day event would be to give students a look into how city government works and to get students involved in government on a local level.  The event would also show students how they can make a difference in the way the lawmaking process works in their city.

Staff is recommending that a Youth in Government Day be held in the fall of 2016 and that the event consist of the following:

• Students arrive for welcome, introductions, a lunch with guest speaker, and meet with various department directors and staff.
• Students receive tours of perspective city facilities alongside their assigned director/staff counterpart.

• Students learn about the different roles and responsibilities assigned to the administration, directors and/or staff.
• Students reconvene to the Community Meeting Center for a question and answer session regarding he role of local government.
• Dinner with the City Council, the City Manager and Directors.
• Attend the City Council Meeting to observe the proceedings.

• Recognition of Youth in Government Day participants at the City Council Meeting.

Costs associated with Youth in Government Day would include food, transportation, mementos and miscellaneous expenses for 50 participants and staff, approximately $3,000.  These costs would be budgeted within the City Council Contingency package.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the establishment of a Youth in Government Day; and
  
  
• Authorize the expenditure of $3,000 from the City Council Contingency package to pay for food, transportation, mementos and miscellaneous expenses for 50 participants and staff associated with Youth in Government Day.

By:  John Montanchez, Manager