The Mayor's Youth Council was established in 2021 to create a platform for high-performing and high-potential young people to have meaningful and effective roles in the City’s policy and decision-making processes. Currently, 15 high school students serve as members and work collaboratively to identify and address issues around community organizing, leadership, and advocacy. As representatives of Knoxville’s youth, Council members will be responsible for elevating all youth voices through consistent communication with young people living in Knoxville. 

The Mayor's Youth Council is led by Emily Norris, Youth Engagement Coordinator and she can be reached at [email protected].


APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Mayor’s Youth Council consists of up to 15 young people that serve a one-year term with the option of serving a second one-year term. Students in grades 8 thru 11 who resident within Knoxville city limits can apply using this form by the May 31 deadline for the term beginning in August


2025-26 COUNCIL MEMBERS

ANNOOR ACADEMY
Tasneem Abdillaahi

AUSTIN-EAST MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
Caliyah Gamble

CAREER MAGNET ACADEMY
Jakhi Powell
Jaydon Carter

FARRAGUT HIGH SCHOOL
Leah Dalili
Anjali Devarakonda
Addison Kim

FULTON HIGH SCHOOL
CJ Hedrick

KNOXVILLE MONTESSORI
Jasmine Smith

L&N STEM ACADEMY
Eleanor Dildine
Max Malone

RIVER'S EDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Evelyn Quinn

WEBB SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE
Gabriel Little

WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Cannon Dowd
Kali Venable


MEETINGS SCHEDULE

The council meets every 4th Sunday of the month. Primary activities will include education on municipal services, collaborations with peers and youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and strategic planning, focusing on the following identified Action Committees: Homelessness, Violence Prevention, Civic Engagement and Mental Health and Trauma.