DANE COUNTY YOUTH GOVERNANCE PROGRAM CHANGES TO BE CONSIDERED BY COUNTY BOARD

November 16, 2022
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167

The Dane County Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance amendment on Thursday night that, if approved, will update the existing Youth Governance Program (YGP) to include up to 18 youth in the program each year, an increase from current practice. The ordinance amendment will also allow YGP participants to participate in closed session, which is also a change.

The Youth Governance Program began in 2012, and has included 129 participants during this time period. The Youth Governance Program offers opportunities for youth leadership development and youth empowerment in Dane County through participation in county government decision-making.

"The YGP program is a great way for youth to be involved in important decisions that affect so many people's lives. I’m happy future members will now have more opportunities to be involved in technical aspects of government and be a part of all the wonderful things we are doing in the county." said County Board Supervisor Brenda Yang (District 19).

Youth that participate in the program apply through an application process that is held each year. Following appointment, they are assigned to one of the County Board’s standing committees or other boards and commissions. They are able to participate in the committee meetings including providing an advisory vote on items.

"We’ve seen sustained interest in YGP year after year. It is a great opportunity for youth in the community to experience local government first hand, particularly the pivotal role it plays in every day life," said County Board Chair Patrick Miles.

There are currently 13 youth participating in the program that runs from June to May each year.

More information about the Youth Governance Program can be found here: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/youthgovernanceprogram/about-ygp/faqs/.