Title
Approving Stipends for Youth Speakers Participating in the Inaugural State of Our Youth Address.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council recognizes that young people are valued members of the Saint Paul community and that their perspectives, experiences, ideas, and leadership are essential to building a thriving, equitable, and inclusive city; and
WHEREAS, Councilmember HwaJeong Kim is sponsoring the inaugural State of Our Youth Address, taking place at the North End Community Center on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with remarks beginning at 4:00 p.m., to provide a meaningful opportunity for Saint Paul youth to share their experiences, identify challenges and opportunities facing young people, and offer ideas and recommendations directly to community leaders and policymakers; and
WHEREAS, the inaugural State of Our Youth Address is expected to be attended by more than 70 community members, providing an opportunity for youth voices to be heard and shared with residents, community leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, meaningful youth engagement strengthens civic participation, develops leadership skills, and helps ensure that public policies and community investments reflect the needs, experiences, and aspirations of the City's young people; and
WHEREAS, the youth speakers are contributing their time, preparation, experiences, perspectives, and expertise to the inaugural State of Our Youth Address, and recognizing their contributions demonstrates the City's commitment to valuing youth voice as an important part of civic life and community leadership; and
WHEREAS, providing a modest stipend to youth speakers recognizes the value of their contributions and supports equitable participation by acknowledging the time, preparation, and effort required to participate in the event; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to provide each youth speaker with a $50.00 stipend for their participation in the inaugural State of Our Youth Address, subject to applicable City policies, procedures, and funding requirements; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby authorizes the payment of a $50.00 stipend to each of the following eight youth speakers, for a total amount of $400.00, in recognition of their participation in the inaugural State of Our Youth Address:
- Eliza Johnson
- Moriah Anderson
- Gay Ler Tha
- Fernando Bejarano Aguilera
- Eman Adeogun
- Charlotte Brown
- Charlie St. Dennis
- Adalyn Thao; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council recognizes youth voice as an essential component of effective, responsive, and representative local government and affirms the importance of creating continued opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in civic dialogue, policymaking, community leadership, and decisions that affect their lives and futures; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council expresses its appreciation to the youth speakers for sharing their voices, experiences, perspectives, and vision for Saint Paul, and to Councilmember HwaJeong Kim for sponsoring the inaugural State of Our Youth Address and creating a platform to elevate youth leadership and civic engagement; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that stipends authorized under this resolution shall be administered in accordance with all applicable City policies, administrative rules, and financial procedures; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, that City staff are directed to implement this resolution and take all necessary administrative actions to support the inaugural State of Our Youth Address and the participation of the youth speakers as described herein.