The National League of Cities' (NLC) Youth Master Planning program both involves and benefits young people by bringing them together into a larger coalition with other community institutions and members, such as the school district, parents, businesses, city officials, and so forth. The coalition works to establish principles and priorities for the whole community. This resource is a great introduction to the planning process, and can bring about positive changes in the community.

This section of the website includes programs and services, examples, publications, and more resources that are part of the Youth Master Planning process.

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NLC's Institute for Youth, Education and Families was launched in January 2000 as part of a long-term commitment by NLC to address the needs of children, youth and families in the nation's cities and towns.

The YEF Institute serves as a resource for municipal leaders such as mayors, city councilmembers, and other local leaders. It is directed by a council that includes youth representatives.

The YEF Institute provides resources in five core program areas:

*Education and afterschool
*Youth development
*Early childhood development
*Safety of children and youth
*Family economic success

To implement the goals of these five program areas, the YEF Institute has broad, interrelated strategies and tools:

*Action kits
*Technical assistance projects
*Partnerships with state municipal leagues
*NLC's Summit on Your City's Families
*Targeted research and periodic surveys
*The Institute's peer networks, learning communities, website, audioconferences, and e-mail listservs

To ensure that children and families have the tools they need to thrive, NLC believes that cities must step up to a new level of leadership. Further, cities can be most successful if they receive appropriate and effective support and assistance. The YEF Institute and NLC also will continue to encourage the inclusion of youth in policy making and other governmental activities at the local level. The importance of youth participation in local decision-making will be emphasized through ongoing research and dissemination efforts regarding local youth advisory councils and through youth involvement in NLC activities.

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NLC has several other resources related to youth and cities. Visit their Children and Youth page and scroll down to "Programs and Services" for more information about these additional resources.