The City of Seattle is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Seattle Youth Commission (SYC), a group of 15 Seattle teens aged 13-19 who live or go to school in Seattle. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to connect youth to local elected officials, advise on City policies, and discuss issues that youth in Seattle are facing. There is a Youth Commissioner representing each of the seven City Council Districts, as well as eight at-large Commissioners. 
 
Youth Commissioners commit to a two-year term, during which they actively participate in SYC meetings, contribute to a sub-committee, and collaborate on a group project. To apply, please fill out the online application by August 1, 2025, at 11:59pm.  

Application review and candidate interviews will take place from August 2 – September 1 and applicants will be notified of appointments in September.  

Seattle Youth Commission Projects

In addition to representing youth across the city, commissioners receive hands-on experience in the public sector and learn how to cultivate the youth voice in city policy. Samples of past Seattle Youth Commission projects include:

• Researched marketing and recruitment strategies to increase enrollment in Seattle Public Schools’ Career Technical Education Skills Center to recommend to the Office of Economic Development.
• Collaborated with the Mayor’s Chief of Police Search Committee to facilitate a youth forum on selecting the new Chief of Police.
• Advised the Department of Education and Early Learning on top priorities to consider for the Families and Education Levy.