Youth Commission

Youth Commissioners standing in a row City of San José Youth Commission logo, featuring a green fountain pen tip

About the Commission

The Youth Commission is recognized as the official youth advisory group to the Mayor and City Council. Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.

More Details

The Youth Commission is the advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, which empowers and encourages youth to be civically engaged through local and city-wide events and initiatives. The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities. The Youth Commission establishing ordinance can be found in the Municipal Code 2.08.4800. Their role aligns with the San José Education Initiative City Council Policy 0-30. According to a recent memo, the Library Department is the City lead in establishing the framework and quality standards supporting the San José Education Initiative Policy, thus the oversight and management of the Youth Commission has been shifted to the Library Department from the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department.

Core Values and Honor Code

Core Values:

  1. Responsibility
  2. Teamwork
  3. Empathy
  4. Inclusivity
  5. Empowerment
  6. Integrity

Honor Code:

  • Prioritize the Youth Commission over other responsibilities (to a reasonable extent).
  • Attend all meetings, trainings, and other mandatory events (exempting excused absences).
  • Thoroughly complete and submit all work on time, such as monthly reports and Commissioner assignments.
  • Maintain an active level of communication.
  • Inform staff members of any absences at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Abide by Brown Act in all forms of communication.
  • Understand you represent the City of San José in all public settings.
  • Using technology only when appropriate and only for commission related work.
  • Consistently practice active listening, attentiveness, and maintaining respect for all communities.
  • Be the voice for youth in your district.

Meeting Agenda & Minutes

Attending Meetings

The Youth Commission meets the 4th Monday of the month beginning at 6:30 pm. The Youth Commission does not meet in the months of June and July. Meetings are predominantly held in Council Chambers, but always refer to the meeting agenda to confirm the meeting location.

Commissioner Responsibilities

  • Present recommendations to City Council and Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
  • Present an annual work plan to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
  • Attend all Commission meetings. Commissioners cannot miss three consecutive regular meetings. Absence from three consecutive regular meetings equates to a resignation from the Commission. Attendance is tracked for all meetings.
  • Hold forums in community to involve youth in decision-making processes.
  • Help sponsor the annual San José Citywide Youth Conference.
  • Host annual youth advisory council summit for input on the City Budget.
  • Commissioners may be required to spend additional hours attending trainings or ad hoc working meetings.

Commission Membership and Roster

The Youth Commission has 11 members, including one member appointed by each City Council District and one citywide/at-large member appointed by the Mayor. Each Commissioner is appointed to a two-year term. There is a limit of two terms for a total of four years.

Commissioners must be 14 to 20 years of age to apply for a place on the Youth Commission. Commissioners must reside in the City District they wish to represent (Look up your City District). Those interested the Youth Commission can submit an application through the City Clerk. For those over 20, consider participating in the City of San José's Library and Education Commission.

Apply for the Youth Commission

Aanya Mishra

Aanya Mishra

YouthCom1@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 1

Neyha Pradeepkumar

Neyha Pradeepkumar

YouthCom2@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 2

Deitra V. Hoang

Deitra V. Hoang, Chair

YouthCom3@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 3

Thy Luong

Thy Luong

YouthCom4@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 4

Andrew Lieu

Andrew Lieu

YouthCom5@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires:
Represents: District 5

Amiya Bansal

Amiya Bansal, Communications

YouthCom6@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 6

Megan Luong

Megan Luong

YouthCom7@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 7

Aldojoell Gonzalez-Muñiz

Aldojoell Gonzalez-Muñiz

YouthCom8@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 8

Agam Singh

Agam Singh

YouthCom9@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires:
Represents: District 9

Nolan Mascarenhas

Nolan Mascarenhas, Vice Chair & Outreach

YouthCom10@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: District 10

Vedant Janapaty

Vedant Janapaty

YouthComCW@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: *
Represents: Citywide

Youth Herald Blog

Youth Herald: District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz Interview

An Interview with District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz.

Youth Commission
04/20/2023 - 10:30 AM

Youth Herald: Andrew Lieu - An Unstoppable Journey

Andrew Lieu's Journey to the Youth Commission.

Youth Commission
02/23/2023 - 12:00 PM

Youth Herald: First In-Person Youth Commission Meeting in the Pandemic

The San Jose Youth Commission adopts a Hybrid model for their first in-person meeting since March 13, 2020.

Youth Commission
05/02/2022 - 6:00 PM