KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Teenagers who serve on the Knoxville Mayor’s Youth Council put city leaders on the spot at the group’s yearly forum, asking how local government really works and how young people can shape choices that affect their neighborhoods and schools.
The session was built around clearing up common misunderstandings about City Hall. Topics included how a policy moves from idea to practice, how the city budget is put together and what the Police Advisory Review Committee, known as PARC, does in reviewing police matters.
Mayor Indya Kincannon took part, along with LaKenya Middlebrook, who directs the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, commanders from the Knoxville Police Department and several other city leaders. All were on hand to field questions from council members.
Middlebrook said the forum is organized every year so young residents can learn the civic process up close, and she said city staff want students to keep feeling supported and involved after the event ends.
The youth council dates to 2021. It gives as many as 15 students in grades 8 through 11 a working role in city policy and decision-making. Members join for different reasons, from improving their schools and community to getting an early start on a career in government.
Council leaders said their focus is on Knoxville and Knox County civic life rather than national politics, and they hope to give other young people in the city a platform to get involved. City officials also pointed students to other ways to take part in city and county government.
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