Local youth who are passionate about Long Beach’s future have the opportunity to be more civically involved.

The Department of Health and Human Services is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council. The council, now in its fifth year, is a group of 11 young people from across Long Beach who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement.

The council provides young people with an opportunity to help shape city policies, programs and investments that affect youth, according to a press release, including by implementing the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, Measure US Youth Fund investments and the annual youth summit.

“Investing in young people means investing in the future of Long Beach,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “Our Youth Advisory Council continues to demonstrate that young people bring valuable ideas, fresh perspectives and real leadership to city decision-making. Their voices help shape policies and programs that strengthen our community.”

Applications are open now until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 7; selected members will be notified about four weeks after the application period closes.

To be eligible, applicants must be 16 to 26 years old by Sept. 1, live in Long Beach, be available to attend two-hour meetings twice each month at locations across the city, and have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach.

The Youth Advisory Council includes nine members representing each of the city’s Council Districts and two at-large members who help advance health equity in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes, the press release said.

Youth council members receive a $50 stipend for each meeting, up to $1,000, over their one-year term, officials said. Those selected will also receive professional coaching and leadership development opportunities provided by city staffers.

The council was established in response to recommendations from the 2022 Youth Design Sessions, the press release said, and helps advance the Long Beach Youth Strategic Plan by collaborating with city departments, commissions, community organizations and the mayor’s office. Members also serve as district liaisons to ensure diverse youth perspectives are reflected in city initiatives.

Over the past year, the council helped shape the city’s Mental Health is Just Health campaign, participated in the Youth Voices series with the Long Beach Community Action Partnership, led the Youth Power Participatory Budgeting process for Measure US Youth investments, and organized Youth Connect 2026 – a citywide celebration of youth leadership and creativity, the press release said.

“Serving on the Youth Advisory Council changed the way I think about leadership and civic engagement,” Nyechelle Shaw, a current youth council member, said in a statement. “We weren’t just asked for our opinions; we were trusted to help shape real projects that affect young people across Long Beach. It showed me that youth voices aren’t just values; they’re essential.”

Youth can submit their application online through the application portal. Those without access to a computer or smartphone may submit an application at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center,6335 Myrtle Ave., or any Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Center during regular business hours.

To learn more about the Youth Advisory Council and Office of Youth Development, visit longbeach.gov/youth.