The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC) was created in 1980 in response to the problems young adults often face, such as teen violence, pregnancy, substance abuse, depression, and lack of recreational opportunities.

Before MYAC , young adults under the age of 18 had no voice in local government and were not included as part of the solution. Tempe recognized the importance of youth contribution and created an advisory commission made up completely of adolescents. The Commission reports directly to the Mayor and City Council.

“The commission decides on three issues that are affecting teens specifically in Tempe,” former commission member Zaria Guignard said.

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission is composed of twenty-four members selected from residents of Tempe, or who attend school within the Tempe school district, enrolled in seventh through twelfth grades. Tempe schools teachers and or youth group leaders, select members for a three-year term.

“I think seeing reactions in the class, that’s how they picked me,” Guignard said.

“In eighth grade they nominated me because they said she was a student you would want to represent Connolly,” current member Sophia Gonzalez said.

Youth Town Hall is an annual event planned and sponsored by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC). Youth Town Hall gives teens the opportunity to have direct input into local policy, even if you aren’t apart of MYAC.  Youth and adults exchange ideas and propose viable solutions for issues facing Tempe’s youth.

“ We ask questions like ‘Do you know this problem? Are you being affected by this problem?’ and from that we’re like ‘How can we solve this problem?’” Guignard said.

“They learn how they can change their community” Gonzalez said.

Recommendations proposed at the annual Town Hall are published in the Youth Town Hall Report. The report is presented to the Tempe City Council for possible action or policy changes. Over the years, multiple Youth Town Hall recommendations have been implemented.