Council removes age restriction

The makeup of Spokane’s policy-making boards is about to get younger.

Last month, in attempt to increase youth participation in local government, the Spokane City Council eliminated the 18-year-old age limit for serving on volunteer commissions.

The sponsor of the change, Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin, said it’s important to give youths votes on policy, not just a seat at the table.

McLaughlin worked with the city’s Chase Youth Commission on the elimination of the age restriction.

“They don’t want to be given a council notebook and a place in the front row,” McLaughlin said. “They want real, meaningful interaction with their city government.”

The decision means youth will be allowed to serve on numerous boards that recommend policy to the City Council. Those include the arts commission, bicycle advisory board and human rights commission.

“A lot of times, the youth can be overlooked,” said Matthew Rivera, a recent Rogers High School graduate who is the chairman of the Chase Youth Commission. “This is forcing the boards and commission to recognize youth.”

Rivera said the commission also is working with County Commissioner Mark Richard to bring the same kind of change to county boards.

The change will not affect the makeup of the Spokane Park Board or Library Board of Trustees, which make decisions without oversight by City Council.

Although many students may have busy schedules, those appointed to boards will dedicate the necessary time to serve, said Laurel Fish, a St. George’s School student who testified in favor of the change.

“If we find the right students who are passionate about the boards and commission that they are appointed to, then they will definitely make it a priority,” Fish said.

Chase Youth leaders say youth will gain valuable experience while the board will gain new perspectives.

“It also shows adults that we aren’t just a bunch of rambunctious kids and that we can affect change in our communities,” Fish said.