The Tacoma Community Vitality and Safety Committee convened on July 25, 2025, to address several key issues regarding youth representation on various community boards and commissions (CBCs). The meeting primarily focused on a proposal by Council Member Rumbaugh aimed at standardizing the appointment process for youth seats across eight committees, which currently have varying requirements and processes.

The discussion began with an overview of the existing youth seats, noting that while seven of the committees have designated youth positions, there are eight that have received policy direction for such seats. The proposal seeks to streamline the application process, enhance recruitment and retention of youth members, and reduce confusion among applicants.

Committee members were provided with handouts detailing the legislative background and specific information about each of the eight committees. However, some members expressed concerns about the accessibility of these materials, as not all had printed copies available during the meeting.

A significant point of discussion was the Tacoma Arts Commission, which had previously established youth seats in 2013. Despite administrative efforts to fill these positions, the commission faced challenges and ultimately decided to sunset the youth seat due to ongoing vacancies. This decision was made without formal legislative action to eliminate the requirement, leading to questions about the commission's current stance on youth involvement.

Council Member Rumbaugh has been in communication with the Tacoma Arts Commission and plans to attend their upcoming meeting on August 11 to discuss the proposal further. A recommendation from the commission is expected by September 9, which will inform the next steps regarding the integration of youth seats into the standardized process.

The committee also acknowledged systemic challenges in filling youth positions across all CBCs, with inconsistencies in application processes and age requirements contributing to difficulties. Many youth seats are designated for individuals aged 16 to 18, while others extend to 24 years old, creating confusion among potential applicants. Feedback from listening sessions indicated a desire for a more cohesive approach that supports youth development and leadership opportunities.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions highlighted the need for a unified strategy to enhance youth representation in Tacoma's community boards. The anticipated feedback from the Tacoma Arts Commission will be crucial in shaping the future of youth involvement in local governance.