A graphic with a teal background displays large text at the top reading “Calling Youth Leaders.” Below, a red banner contains the text “Apply Now for Youth Leadership Commission and a Seat at the Table!” Additional text at the bottom reads “Applications close July 15, 2026. Click the link below to apply!” The design includes illustrated elements such as three stylized tickets on the left, three on the right, and a hand holding a megaphone with red lightning-bolt shapes near the top right.

Calling Youth Leaders!

The City of Walnut Creek is seeking motivated students entering grades 9-12 next school year to take active leadership roles in the community through a variety of student opportunities. Interested students can apply this summer for Youth Leadership Commission and a Seat at the Table. The joint application is open June 15 - July 15, 2026. Click the button below to apply!

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Building the Pipeline of Leadership in Walnut Creek

The purpose of the Youth Leadership Commission (YLC) and the Seat at the Table program is to engage the future leaders of Walnut Creek by encouraging youth to take an active leadership role in the community. YLC commissioners interact with and learn about Walnut Creek local government, complete a policy/service project, and provide a youth perspective on issues within the community to the City Council. Originally started as a YLC project, Seat at the Table provides students opportunities to gain real-world experience and represent youth voices alongside adult members on City boards and commissions. 


    Youth Leadership Commission

    Youth Leadership Commission is a City of Walnut Creek commission composed of 15 Walnut Creek students. Commissioners gain hands-on experience with local government, contribute to service and policy projects, and share youth perspectives with the City Council. This is a unique opportunity to build leadership skills, meet peers, and create real change. 

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    Who is on the Commission?

     High school students (incoming 9th graders to 12th graders) who live in Walnut Creek. 

    What's the commitment?

    Commissioners serve terms of up to 2 years.

    When does the Commission meet?

    The Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6:30 pm at Walnut Creek City Hall - 1666 North Main St. Walnut Creek, CA 94596. 

    How do I apply?

    Students who are interested must complete an application and be interviewed by current Youth Leadership Commissioners and City Staff. Applications open each summer the Commission has vacant seats. 

    Questions?

    Contact staff liaison, Sara Freimuth, Administrative Analyst I, freimuth@walnutcreekca.gov.

     

    Seat at the Table Opportunities for Youth

    Seat at the Table is a City of Walnut Creek program that facilitates youth representation on City commissions and boards. In addition to serving alongside adult commission and board members, student commissioners and representatives may also be invited to join Youth Leadership Commission meetings to share information and updates, attend presentations from guest speakers, and participate in other activities and events. Student commissioners and representatives are appointed to two-year terms or until graduation from high school, whichever comes first. Current Seat at the Table opportunities are described in below.

    Student Commissioners

    The City has youth seats on three of the City's commissions. Student commissioners serve alongside adult commissioners and have a preferential vote on items that come before the commission. Applications for student commissioner seats open each summer there is a vacant seat (typically each even-numbered year). 

    Chief's Community Advisory Board

    The Chief's Community Advisory Board is a resource for the Chief of Police. Their mission is to represent the diverse community of Walnut Creek in facilitating a positive, trusting, and effective relationship with the Walnut Creek Police Department. There are two youth representatives on the board. Applications for youth representative seats open each summer there is a vacant seat (typically each even-numbered year). 

    A group of 15 students and 1 adult standing together outside of a building with large windows, arranged in 2 rows. The individuals are dressed in a variety of professional and semi‑formal clothing, including suits, blazers, button‑down shirts, and other business attire. The group appears to be gathered for a formal event or ceremony, standing closely together for a posed group photo.