(Riverton, WY) – The Riverton City Council adopted a resolution this week formally supporting the formation of a Riverton Youth Council for the City of Riverton.
The youth council will consist of five to nine local students ages 15-18, who will work to “improve youth civic engagement, community involvement, and understanding of local government,” according to the resolution.
The youth council will also be responsible for “advising the Mayor and Council on matters related to youth, promoting civic engagement among youth, and serving as a communication conduit between youth, the City Council, and the Riverton community,” the resolution states.
The initial members of the Riverton Youth Council will be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council, according to the resolution.
Councilmember Rebecca Pierson-Lewis, who was appointed as youth council liaison on Tuesday, offered to oversee the application process for the initial group.
That group will then develop its own bylaws, which they will “bring back to us for (our) blessing,” Councilmember Mike Bailey said.
City staff said the initial Youth Council is expected to commence during the 2025-2026 school year, and this week’s resolution explains that City Administrator Kyle Butterfield, or his designee, will serve as a liaison to the Riverton Youth Council in order to provide administrative support.
The resolution also notes that the city council set a goal this year to develop and implement a youth council program.
“The City Council strives to make the City of Riverton a vibrant community where residents prosper and enjoy a positive quality of life,” the resolution states. “The City Council recognizes that cities benefit when youth are empowered, supported, and informed, thus becoming productive members of the community.”
For more information, call the City of Riverton at (307) 856-2227.