The Olivia Mitchell LA City Youth Council, established in 2022, brings together 30 young leaders from across Los Angeles for a one‑year term of civic learning and service. Members gain firsthand experience in how local government works, lead community projects and civic events, and provide policy and budget recommendations that strengthen the well‑being, safety, and opportunities of young Angelenos.
The Youth Council is jointly supported by the Community Investment Department’s Youth Development Division and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (EmpowerLA). It honors the legacy of Olivia Mitchell — a living icon whose decades of mentorship, public service, and love for Los Angeles have inspired generations of civic and community leaders.
Explore Olivia Mitchell’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and public service in her full biography (PDF).
The mission of the LA City Youth Council is to speak truth to power, identify bold solutions,
and turn ideas into action to transform our communities in positive, lasting ways.
What it Means to Serve on the Youth Council
As a Youth Council member, you’ll develop new skills, take part in hands‑on civic work, and help guide the future of youth development in Los Angeles.
Grow as a Leader
Strengthen your professional skills, gain hands‑on civic experience, and develop tools that support your future career and life beyond the Youth Council
Shape the Future
Contribute to building a strong foundation for uplifting youth voices and driving meaningful change across Los Angeles
Receive Educational Stipends
Earn educational stipends in recognition of your active participation, leadership, and contributions as a Youth Council member
Engage in Council Activities & Become a Leader
Attend twice‑monthly meetings, participate in special Youth Council events, and receive training and professional development range of youth‑focused issues
Develop Solutions for Youth
Identify ways to strengthen programs, policies, and practices through partnerships with community organizations, civic leaders, and peers
Shape Policy Recommendations
Assist in drafting and presenting recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on topics such as budgets, programs, and policies related to youth development
Shape Citywide Priorities
Support the development of the LA Youth Development Strategic Plan, helping guide the programs and investments that will serve young people for years to come
Advance Equity and Inclusion
Champion equity, honor cultural diversity, and elevate the lived experiences and perspectives of young Angelenos in civic decision‑making
Lead with Purpose
Build a space where youth exercise leadership, influence policy frameworks, and take ownership of initiatives that strengthen their communities
Exemplary Work of the Youth Council
As a member of the Olivia E. Mitchell Youth Council, you will have the privilege and opportunity of working on a diverse set of tasks, including youth-related policy and budget recommendations such as the Capstone Policy Project and annual budget letter.
Applying to the Youth Council
The LA Youth Council opens its application window each year between May and June. There are 30 seats available, 2 for each of the 15 Council Districts. Young Angelenos ages 16 to 25 living within the City of Los Angeles are invited to apply and share how they want to shape the future of Los Angeles.
To verify that you live within the City of Los Angeles boundaries, visit neighborhoodinfo.lacity.gov and enter your address.
Application
A link to the online application form will appear here when the window opens. Follow the youth team on Instagram @LACityYouth for updates.
Contact
If you have any questions or comments about the LA City Youth Council or the application process, please email us at YouthCouncil@lacity.org. Please include “Youth Council” in the subject of your email.