The Multnomah Youth Commission, the official youth policy body for both Multnomah County and the City of Portland, is a group of young people, ages 13-21, that strives to provide a voice for youth in the County & City's work. In addition to its advisory role within local government, the MYC provides youth input to its parent organization the Commission on Children, Families & Community and also works to improve the community through service projects. The MYC works to change policy affecting young people, as well as stereotypical community perceptions.

Policy and Planning

On October 5, 2007 Multnomah County and the City of Portland finalized a non-financial intergovernmental contract (IGA) #0708066. On September 19, 2007 the City of Portland City Council adopted Ordinance #181290 authorizing the IGA. This IGA creates the Multnomah Youth Commission as a joint County-City youth policy advisory body and empowers the Youth Commission to:

• Advise and make recommendations to the Jurisdictions’ governing bodies on policies and programs to ensure that young people form relationships with caring adults, build skills, exercise leadership, and help their communities while obtaining the opportunities, skills, and experiences necessary to become healthy, productive adults;
• Assist in the coordination of policies and actions creating more youth friendly communities; and,
• Meet annually with the governing bodies of the Jurisdictions to report on the Commission's activities and achievements in the prior year and plans for the upcoming year.

Elected Official Liasion Program

As part of the Youth Commission's policy advisory role, each elected official at the City and County have a direct youth liaison with the MYC. The purpose of the Elected Official Liaison Program is to help inform the policy and program decisions of local elected officials with the views and insights of local youth. Elected Officials and their youth liaison generally meet monthly and discuss current policy and program issues important to the Elected Official and the Youth Commission.

Technical Assistance and Training

Youth commissioners and staff are available for trainings and technical assistance for community organizations, government agencies, and businesses. Trainings on topics like Positive Youth Development, Youth Adult Partnerships, Increasing Outcomes for Youth, Creating a Bill of Rights for Children & Youth, and Youth Organizing are available. For additional training topics please contact staff.