| ITEM #: 1. DATE: 10/26/2026 |
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BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
| SUBJECT: | GOODYEAR YOUTH COMMISSION PROPOSED BYLAW UPDATES |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Jeremy Dyck, Neighborhood Services Manager |
OTHER PRESENTER(S):
Maddelynn Smith, Goodyear Youth Commission Chair
Alexa Loeffelholz, Goodyear Youth Commission Vice Chair
Alexa Loeffelholz, Goodyear Youth Commission Vice Chair
SUMMARY
The Goodyear Youth Commission is proposing updates to its bylaws to ensure they reflect the current needs, expectations, and growth of the Commission. These updates were discussed, refined, and approved by the full Commission. The recommended changes address membership capacity, officer eligibility, attendance expectations, and participation requirements. The desired outcome is for the Subcommittee to review the proposed changes and provide feedback or approval to move forward.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval to the City Council regarding the Goodyear Youth Commission’s proposed bylaw updates to membership cap, officer eligibility, attendance requirements, and participation expectations. (Jeremy Dyck, Neighborhood Services Manager)
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTION
On March 25, 2026, the City Council Subcommittee for Boards, Commissions and Committee Appointments directed staff to collaborate with the Youth Commission to evaluate the Commission's composition and structure of the Commission and return to the Subcommittee with a recommendation in the Fall of 2026.
The Goodyear Youth Commission was established to engage high-school-aged youth in leadership development, civic education, and community service. The Commission periodically reviews its bylaws to ensure they remain aligned with best practices and the evolving needs of youth participants.
In response to the Subcommittee's direction, staff worked with the Youth Commission to review its existing bylaws and identify opportunities to clarify provisions related to the Commission structure, leadership development and member responsibilities. The proposed amendments reflect the Commission’s growth, evolving needs, and are consistent with practices observed by other youth councils and commissions in the region.
The proposed updates have been reviewed and are supported by the Youth Commission.
Previous bylaw modifications were minor and focused primarily on administrative alignment; this is the first comprehensive review in several years.
The Goodyear Youth Commission was established to engage high-school-aged youth in leadership development, civic education, and community service. The Commission periodically reviews its bylaws to ensure they remain aligned with best practices and the evolving needs of youth participants.
In response to the Subcommittee's direction, staff worked with the Youth Commission to review its existing bylaws and identify opportunities to clarify provisions related to the Commission structure, leadership development and member responsibilities. The proposed amendments reflect the Commission’s growth, evolving needs, and are consistent with practices observed by other youth councils and commissions in the region.
The proposed updates have been reviewed and are supported by the Youth Commission.
Previous bylaw modifications were minor and focused primarily on administrative alignment; this is the first comprehensive review in several years.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The proposed bylaw updates included in Attachment A support a more structured and sustainable framework for Commission operations.
1. Membership Cap of 35 Commissioners
Establishing a clear maximum helps maintain manageable group size, ensures meaningful participation opportunities, and aligns with regional best practices. It supports staff oversight and project coordination without limiting youth engagement possibilities.
2. Retention of Current Term Limits
Keeping the existing one- and two-year terms preserves continuity while ensuring new members still have opportunities to grow into leadership roles.
3. Officer Eligibility Updates
Requiring one full year of prior service ensures that candidates for Chair and Vice Chair have adequate experience and understanding of Commission processes. A one-year officer term limit supports leadership development, succession planning, and shared responsibility among returning members.
4. Attendance Requirement Update
Simplifying the requirement to a maximum of three total absences per school year offers clearer expectations, reinforces accountability, and is easier for students to track. This change supports both flexibility and commitment, recognizing that youth balance academics, extracurriculars, and family obligations.
5. Volunteer and Participation Requirements
Requiring 10 volunteer hours and attendance at a minimum of two Commission-sponsored events helps ensure all members contribute meaningfully to community service and Commission-led initiatives. This standard promotes engagement and equity among participants.
Following review by the Subcommittee, any recommended bylaw amendments will be brought before the City Council for consideration and adoption at a future meeting.
1. Membership Cap of 35 Commissioners
Establishing a clear maximum helps maintain manageable group size, ensures meaningful participation opportunities, and aligns with regional best practices. It supports staff oversight and project coordination without limiting youth engagement possibilities.
2. Retention of Current Term Limits
Keeping the existing one- and two-year terms preserves continuity while ensuring new members still have opportunities to grow into leadership roles.
3. Officer Eligibility Updates
Requiring one full year of prior service ensures that candidates for Chair and Vice Chair have adequate experience and understanding of Commission processes. A one-year officer term limit supports leadership development, succession planning, and shared responsibility among returning members.
4. Attendance Requirement Update
Simplifying the requirement to a maximum of three total absences per school year offers clearer expectations, reinforces accountability, and is easier for students to track. This change supports both flexibility and commitment, recognizing that youth balance academics, extracurriculars, and family obligations.
5. Volunteer and Participation Requirements
Requiring 10 volunteer hours and attendance at a minimum of two Commission-sponsored events helps ensure all members contribute meaningfully to community service and Commission-led initiatives. This standard promotes engagement and equity among participants.
Following review by the Subcommittee, any recommended bylaw amendments will be brought before the City Council for consideration and adoption at a future meeting.