High school students can apply to serve on Mayor’s Youth Council

MADISON – A new group will allow young people to learn directly about municipal government in the City of Madison.

The city has opened applications for its inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council, a new year-long program designed to give high school students clear insight into day-to-day operation of the city, along with service projects that benefit the community.

“Investing in our youth and engaging them in service is a top priority for me,” Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett said. “Municipal government offers meaningful career paths with a workforce, either straight from high school or after college. I want our student residents to know about the opportunities and how they can get involved in their community.”

This engaging, 12-month initiative will connect teenagers with personalities, places and careers that sustain Madison’s quality of life. Applicants should have a genuine interest in municipal government, volunteering and public-sector careers. Eligible students can register to vote at the September kickoff event.

For eight sessions, the youth council will assemble 30 students from schools in the public, private and homeschool realms across Madison. Beginning in September 2026, participants will meet monthly at city facilities and community locations, getting a behind-the-scenes look at departments like public safety, finance, parks and recreation and STEM environments.

Students won’t just observe – they will contribute, Bartlett said. Participants will complete volunteer service projects that benefit the community. All participants must attend at least one City Council meeting in person, along with observing one board, committee or commission meeting, either in person or online. Youth will receive breakfast at each 1.5-hour session.

Students are responsible for transportation to morning sessions. However, a bus will be available for students to return to Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.

Application deadline is April 30. To apply, visit madisonal.gov/1382/ Mayors-Youth-Council.

Organizers have scheduled an agenda for sessions:

• Orientation – Aug. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Trash Pandas Stadium with presentations by Mayor Bartlett, City Clerk and Trash Pandas General Manager.

• Madison Police Department – Sept. 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Public Safety Annex. Discussion about Traffic Division, SROs in schools, K9 policing and drone operations.

• Public Works Facility – Oct. 28 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Presentations by Public Works Director and Administrative Assistant.

• Madison City Hall – Dec. 2 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Presenters from Planning, Engineering and Building departments. Discussion will include an overview of Entertainment Districts.

• City Hall – Jan. 27, 2027, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Finance and IT departments will provide presenters. Topics will include cybersecurity and AI.

• Madison Community Center – Feb. 24, 2027, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The staff for Parks & Recreation and the Facilities & Grounds departments will speak about managing municipal spaces, parks and recreational activities.

• Public Safety Annex and Fire Station 4 — March 24 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Madison Fire and Rescue Department employees will lead a tour of the fire station and demonstrate the Jaws of Life.

• Graduation at City Hall — April 26 at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers. Mayor Bartlett and City Council members will recognize youth council participants, who will present their service project.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the inaugural session. For more information, email ajarrett@ madisonal.gov or visit madisonal. gov/1382/Mayors-Youth-Council.

“Know a student who’d be a great fit? Pass it on!” Bartlett said.