Applications are now open for Knoxville high school students interested in serving on Mayor Indya Kincannon’s Youth Council. 

Established in 2021, the Mayor's Youth Council is a platform for high-performing and high-potential youth to have active, meaningful roles in the City’s policy and decision-making processes. 

“It’s important for cities to listen to the young people who are our future workforce, property owners and community leaders,” says the City’s Youth Engagement Coordinator Emily Norris, who leads the Youth Council.

“Their insight on what’s important – and also what might be missing in our policies and strategies – can help our current leaders create stronger, more resilient communities that include people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Mayor’s Youth Council members convene monthly to learn about local government structure and municipal services. They also work together to identify and address issues in their chosen action areas – Homelessness, Violence Prevention, Civic Engagement, Sustainability, and Mental Health and Trauma – through 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 and serve as young ambassadors of the City of Knoxville. 

Applications are posted on the City’s website at https://bit.ly/MayorsYouthCouncil and open through May 31, 2025. Students chosen for the council will serve starting in August 2025. 

Learn more at KnoxvilleTN.gov/EmpowerKnox.