San Francisco, CA, 1994 - Involving youth in the community decision-making process empowers them to seek positive solutions to community problems. It builds self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and ownership in the future development of the communities in which they live. They become active participants in improving the quality of life for themselves and their families.

A basic template that can be replicated in any community is represented in the APA sponsored Youth Forum held in San Francisco as part of the 1994 APA National Annual Conference. In preparation for the forum, Bay Area youth from the communities of San Anselmo, Orinda, Santa Rosa and San Francisco worked with their local planning agency directors and staff to learn about the purpose, process, and stakeholders involved in community planning. The 50 high school students then identified five priority issues in their neighborhoods by surveying their peers. For example, young people were concerned about the availability of jobs located closer to home, more recreational activities for youth, and improving the public transportation network to increase mobility options for young people.

At the conference, the youth gathered at a Youth Planner Town Meeting to share their priority issues and select the top four concerns that they would use as organizing core topics for small work group sessions. In four small break-out groups, they explored the complex issues in more detail using key questions to help define the problems and causes, as well as, identify opportunities and brainstorm possible strategies/solutions to address these concerns. The discussions were recorded using graphics and bulleted concepts on flip-chart paper. Groups then reassembled to present their ideas -- their visions -- to the entire group. The final presentations can be reviewed by planning agency staff, community policymakers, and other leaders.

These recommendations offer a framework for action through the development of policies and guidelines that planners, policymakers and community residents can implement as a platform to create more youth/children/family-friendly cities. If the ever-increasing youth problems are to be adequately addressed in our communities, then young people must be a vital part of the solution process.