YLC Learns About Funding the Government

This Monday, the Youth Leadership Council learned what makes city governance go ‘round: the budget! City Finance Director Shawn Cross walked the group through the ins and outs of Lake Oswego’s budget process, going through its three main funding sources: taxes, which provide most of the funding; fees, collected from places like the Parks and Recreation department and the 911 service; and debt. The YLCers compared Lake Oswego’s tax and utility rates to other cities in the Metro area, and found out where most of the funding goes: the police, fire, and Parks and Recreation.

After the presentation, YLC was greeted by two special guests! Katie Jin and Nilani Maheswaren, members of Beaverton’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, had traveled 40 minutes to present about an initiative they are involved with to lower the voting age on school board elections to 16. Arguing that 16-year-olds aren’t significantly less mature than 18-year-olds, and that voting in school board election would set the foundation for voting in future elections, Katie and Nilani made a compelling case.  A new policy project may be in store for YLC!

The next Youth Leadership Council meeting will take place on May 24, 2025. For more about the Lake Oswego city budget, please see here. Applications for the 2025-26 Youth Leadership Council are open; for more information or to apply, consult the YLC webpage or follow the YLC Instagram at @loteenlounge.