ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The City of Allentown is inviting young residents to bring their ideas for community and civic leadership to life through the newly adopted Council of Youth.

According to a news release from the City, the council approved and adopted this ordinance, proposed by the Administration, on June 17, 2026.

City officials say the purpose of the Council of Youth is to advise the Mayor and City Council on matters related to youth issues and make recommendations to the Administration and City Council regarding legislation, programs, and strategies that impact young people.

“It’s incredibly important to me that young people feel seen and listened to by Allentown’s City government,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Young people account for over a third of our population, so their voice is important for our future and for our present.”

The City says the Council exists to foster strong, collaborative relationships among the community to help ensure a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where young people can thrive. Through voice, representation, and shared responsibility, the goal of the Council is to empower young people to actively shape the future of their city.

The Office of Violence Prevention, managed by Braley Veras, will be working alongside the Council to create policies, projects, and programs including but not limited to areas such as youth safety, education, workforce development, recreational and cultural opportunities, civic engagement, and overall well-being, according to the release. Officials say the group will also serve as a feedback loop for the City’s Violence Prevention Plan, providing input, recommendations, and youth perspectives on strategies, programs, and initiatives to reduce violence and promote safety throughout the community.

“Safer cities are not built by waiting for problems to happen, they are built by creating the conditions where young people can thrive, belong, and lead,” said Braley Veras, Violence Prevention Coordinator for the City of Allentown. “The Council of Youth is an important step in that work. This is about giving young people a seat at the table; it is about recognizing them as essential partners in building the kind of Allentown we all want to live in.”

The intention of this Council of Youth revival is to create space for their voices to lead, and build the framework for a safer, stronger, and more connected Allentown, according to the City.

The release says the Council will consist of 13 members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. At least nine members will be youth who reside in the City and are between the ages of 14 and 21, up to four members may be adults who reside or work in the City and have demonstrated experience in youth development, education, workforce development, public safety, or community engagement.

Members of the public, community organizations, and City officials may submit recommendations for appointments to the Mayor. Youth and adult residents can visit the City’s webpage and fill out an online form if they are interested in joining here: Council of Youth.