Lacey City Council appoints new Youth Council after record number of applications

Fifteen students were selected for the 2026-27 Lacey Youth Council following the program’s most competitive round of applications to date. 

The Lacey City Council unanimously approved the appointments during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 3, naming the council members and two alternates for the coming school year.  

Lacey Management Analyst and Youth Council Staff Liaison Sadie Siglin said seven returning members reapplied after serving in previous terms, while eight students were selected to join the council for the first time. 

“This was our most competitive cycle yet. We had 39 applications this year for Youth Council for only 15 seats. I think that is clear evidence of the appetite for youth involvement in government in this community,” Siglin said. 

The Youth Council, an advisory body established in 2019, meets twice a month to discuss city programs, listen to presentations from staff and participate in civic activities.

Students are selected through an annual application and interview process conducted by Mayor Andy Ryder and city staff, who recommended appointments to the city council. Interviews for the 2026-27 term were completed on July 27.  

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller said the program helps students understand the work that goes into city council decisions before ordinances and other actions reach a vote. 

“The mayor put this together, and he had really high hopes for it and really is excited, as are all of us, to see young people get involved in the community and get involved in civic government,” Miller said.

“A lot of times it seems like these things happen unilaterally. They don’t. There is a lot of discussion, a lot of staff time, a lot of effort, energy and resources that go into approving one ordinance, and so I’m excited for you guys to be able to see how it all works.” 

Council member Carolyn Cox congratulated the incoming members and welcomed the strong level of participation during this year’s application cycle. 

“I think this is really exciting that we had so many young people interested in this, and I really commend you guys for stepping up,” Cox said. “I hope it’s a great experience for you.” 

The appointments follow the conclusion of the 2025-26 Youth Council term. As The JOLT previously reported, members presented their year-end report to the city council in June. The presentation highlighted accomplishments and several firsts for the program. 

The 2026-27 Youth Council includes students from River Ridge High School, North Thurston High School, Timberline High School and a homeschool program.