Denver committee advances youth commission expansion; compensation remains undecided
The 7-0 vote would add youth seats and district-linked representation, but the proposal sets no stipend, funding source or council confirmation requirement.
Denver’s City Council Health and Safety Committee voted 7-0 Wednesday to advance an ordinance that would expand the Mayor’s Youth Commission from 20 to 30 youth members and tie representation to all 11 council districts.
The vote was to “approve for filing,” so the proposal now goes to the full City Council and does not take effect. The committee’s official minutes record the action on Council Bill 26-1127 on Aug. 5.
Under the proposal presented to the committee, at least two youth commissioners would live in or attend school in each district. Staff described the remaining eight seats as at-large positions. The commission would continue to have eight adult commissioners.
The bill would make youth ages 14 to 18 eligible at appointment, shorten youth terms from three years to two and allow a replacement appointee to serve a full term. It would also broaden the commission’s advisory reach beyond the Office of Children’s Affairs to the mayor and other city officials, and remove the formal chairperson requirement in favor of more flexible or shared leadership, according to the committee presentation and discussion.
The mayor would remain the appointing authority under the version presented. Council members asked about requiring City Council confirmation of mayoral appointments, but staff said that provision was not in the bill. The committee did not add it.
The bill would remove the current prohibition on paying youth commissioners, but would not require compensation. Any payment would be subject to appropriation and approved through a process determined by the Office of Children’s Affairs director. Staff mentioned possible stipends, scholarships or partnerships with outside organizations, but identified no amount, budget line or funding commitment.
The full council will decide whether to adopt or amend the ordinance, including its appointment, compensation and possible name-change provisions. Renaming the body the Denver Youth Commission was discussed but was not part of the committee action.