Youth Leadership Council

Members of this two-year council meet with local leaders to gain insight into city government and provide a youth perspective on issues that impact the community. Each month, Youth Leadership Council (YLC) members meet with city and state officials to ask questions, set goals, and gain a deeper understanding of their roles. This involves:

  • Pursuing a group policy project.
  • Meeting regularly with Lake Oswego’s Mayor and City Councilors.
  • Exploring the underlying systems that power LO through tours of City facilities.
  • Applying critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills.
  • Attending City Day at the State Capitol.
  • Taking a second-year trip to Washington, DC.

Applications for 2025 appointments are closed. Click below to receive an email when our next recruitment cycle opens (April 2026) and to learn about other opportunities to get involved with the City.

I'M INTERESTED


Meeting Information

The Youth Leadership Council meets once per month for two hours during the school year. Regular meetings times are based on member availability and set at the beginning of each academic year.

Second-year members in good standing are eligible to attend the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C.


Eligibility & Membership

Youth Leadership Council participants must be enrolled in high school and live at least part-time within the Lake Oswego Urban Services Boundary.  To see the Urban Service Boundary on LOMap, click 'Layers', then 'Boundaries', then 'USB'.

Most selected applicants are rising sophomores and juniors.  Those entering their first year or last year of high school are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

News & Announcements

What We're Doing

The Youth Leadership Council meets once per month to tour city facilities, gain insight into city government and provide a youth perspective on issues that impact the community.

Read More about What We're Doing
YLC Learns About Funding the Government

And Welcomes Special Guests from Beaverton

APRIL 21, 2025  – LAKE OSWEGO CITY HALL

Read More about YLC Learns About Funding the Government
YLC Learns About Transportation Systems

Translating Policy to Asphalt

March 17, 2025  – LAKE OSWEGO CITY HALL

 

Read More about YLC Learns About Transportation Systems
Senior YLC Member Testifies to State Senate

Delivers Compelling Case for Ending Sale of Flavored Tobacco

March 4, 2025 – SALEM, OR

Read More about Senior YLC Member Testifies to State Senate
YLC Experiences Firefighter Training

Practices CPR, Ropes, Search & Rescue

February 17, 2025 – JEAN ROAD FIRE STATION

Read More about YLC Experiences Firefighter Training
YLC Sets Off for Salem

Attending Conference Hosted by LOC

JANUARY 28, 2025 – SALEM CONFERENCE CENTER

Read More about YLC Sets Off for Salem
YLC Presents On Youth-Centric Issues

Newest Members Get Chance to Shine

January 11, 2025 – OSWEGO HERITAGE HOUSE & MUSEUM

Read More about YLC Presents On Youth-Centric Issues
YLC Grapples With Youth Mental Health Crisis

Discusses Recent Suicides and Potential Interventions.

January 6, 2025 – LAKE OSWEGO CITY HALL

Read More about YLC Grapples With Youth Mental Health Crisis
Contact Information

Quin Brunner
Management Analyst
503-675-2543
qbrunner@lakeoswego.city

Elizabeth Huntley
Youth Programs Intern
ehuntley@lakeoswego.city

YLC's Preferred Future

In 2040, Lake Oswego is a diverse, cohesive community that everyone is able to engage in, whether it be through attending cultural festivals, supporting grassroots initiatives, or visiting one of the many recreational spaces dispersed across the city. Featuring beautiful parks and greenery, strong schools, flourishing small businesses, well-maintained public and accessible facilities, and delicious restaurants – Lake Oswego prioritizes the happiness and health of its residents.

By supporting the well-being of citizens, whether it be mental or physical, our community prioritizes taking action. Creating affordable housing for diverse people to inhabit, fostering sustainable practices to help the planet, creating resilience among residents in the face of natural disasters, nurturing agency within citizens through public engagement of city activities, and creating more transportation opportunities for non-drivers are only a handful of the methods the city employs.

Overall, Lake Oswego is invested in raising exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive citizens that enrich the city for years to come.

Ratified October 14, 2024. For more details, click here.