Inaugural Meeting of the Las Vegas Youth Leadership Advisory Council - October 21, 2025

The first meeting of the Youth Leadership Advisory Council (YLAC) was held on October 21, 2025, to establish the council, adopt bylaws, elect officers, and receive training on the Open Meeting Law. The council is composed of high school students from across Las Vegas, appointed by the mayor and city council, and serves in an advisory capacity to the city council on youth-related matters.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during either the public comment or citizens participation periods.

Discussion Items

• Report on Creation and Purpose of YLAC: Dr. Tammy Malich, Director of Youth Development and Social Initiatives, presented the history and purpose of YLAC. The council was established by city council ordinance (Las Vegas Municipal Code 2.70) to provide youth input on issues affecting youth. Membership is open to high school students (public, private, charter, homeschool) who live or attend school in Las Vegas. Terms are staggered: freshmen serve four years; sophomores through seniors serve two years. The council must meet at least five times per academic year.
• Adoption of Bylaws: A draft of bylaws was presented by Sheena Judy Mitchell (ex-officio). During discussion, Deputy City Attorney Jillian Block-Sager Bloom clarified that members must be high school students at time of appointment, and officers serve one academic year term. Members suggested adding a secretary position and discussed other roles. A motion to adopt the bylaws with amendments (adding the secretary and clarifying student status) was made by Member Camarillo, seconded by Member Wynne, and passed unanimously.
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Members interested in chair spoke: Ethan Cohen, Alea Burton, Jolie Wynne, and Ayana Castro. After a vote, Jolie Wynne was elected chair with 10 votes. For vice chair, candidates Kara McAnallen, Chloe Camarillo, Janaya King, Alea Burton, and Gina Kim spoke. Janaya King was elected vice chair with 14 votes.
• Overview of Open Meeting Law: City Clerk Dr. Luann Holmes provided an overview of the Nevada Open Meeting Law, emphasizing transparency, rules on quorum, serial communications, electronic communications, and public participation. She noted that YLAC must comply with open meeting requirements, including proper agendas, public comment periods, and no secret votes.
• Youth as Solutions Program Report: Dr. Malich presented a grant opportunity from the National Youth Leadership Council focused on youth safety (pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, teen driver). The program aims to raise awareness and develop youth-led solutions. Seven members expressed interest in participating. Dr. Malich stated she would contact those members separately to avoid forming a quorum, and the issue could be agendized for future discussion on subcommittees.
• Discussion on Future Agenda Items: Members proposed topics for future meetings: discussing problems in wards/community (Member Hall), marketing YLAC (Member Cohen), adding social media platforms (Member Castro), establishing additional officer positions (Member Manolas), and community service projects like food drives (Member Burton). Senior Deputy Clerk Brian Carroll advised that specific positions must be agendized clearly.

Key Outcomes

• Bylaws adopted with amendments to include a secretary position and clarification that members must be high school students at appointment.
• Elected officers: Chair: Jolie Wynne (10 votes); Vice Chair: Janaya King (14 votes).
• Youth as Solutions Program: Dr. Malich will follow up with seven interested members; further discussion on subcommittees to be agendized.
• Future agendas will include discussion on additional officer positions (secretary, communications, etc.), marketing, and community issues.
• Open Meeting Law compliance procedures established, including agenda posting and public comment protocols.