New partnership expands civic leadership and youth advocacy opportunities across Tacoma
TACOMA, WA, Oct. 22, 2025 — The City of Tacoma and Mayor Victoria Woodards have selected the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound to assume administration of the Mayor’s Youth Commission, a citywide program designed to elevate the voices of young people and empower them to shape the future of their community.
The Mayor’s Youth Commission, established in 2019 by Mayor Woodards, brings together a diverse group of teens from across Tacoma to advise city leadership on issues affecting youth, promote civic engagement, and advocate for change within their communities. Beginning this fall, Boys & Girls Clubs will serve as the convener and program administrator for the Commission, providing support, consistency, and expanded access for teens across the region.
“This partnership is about alignment,” said Clubs Chief Operating Officer, Christy Garner. “Our mission has always been to meet youth where they are, help them find their voice, and provide platforms for leadership and advocacy. The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a perfect extension of that mission—it aligns directly with who we are and what we believe.”
“The Mayor’s Youth Commission holds a special place in my heart as one of the first initiatives I had the privilege to support when I began with the City in 2019.” Said Chief Policy Analyst Bucoda Warren, “It has been inspiring to witness its growth and evolution, and I’m confident that this partnership with the Boys & Girls Club will provide the right environment to ensure its continued success and positive impact for years to come.”
Mayor Woodards’ decision to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs followed discussions with her team about ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Youth Commission as she concludes her second term.
“I have always said the youth are not our future, they are our present and here now, and we must provide the space for them to engage in the decisions that shape the city they will inherit.” Said Mayor Victoria Woodards, “This collaboration will strengthen our commitment to ensuring access while bringing valuable experience, fresh opportunities, and expanded support to help them thrive.”
Under Boys & Girls Clubs leadership, the Commission will meet monthly at the Boys & Girls Club’s Henry T. Schatz Branch, providing a consistent gathering space and a direct connection to the Club’s teen programs, including its Keystone leadership club. The collaboration will also open new pathways for recruitment and engagement, helping diversify youth participation and ensure that the Commission reflects the voices and experiences of young people from across Tacoma’s neighborhoods and schools.
“When we met with the Commission’s youth leaders, their excitement was palpable,” said Clubs Regional Manager, Ashley Garcia. “They immediately saw how this partnership would allow them to reach more teens, bring more diverse perspectives to the table, and strengthen their impact as advocates for their peers.”
While this first year marks a transition phase, both the City and Boys & Girls Clubs see the collaboration as the foundation for a long-term civic partnership that will inspire youth leadership for years to come. Plans are underway to expand civic education, host youth-led events, and connect Commission members with statewide and national advocacy opportunities through Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“We believe this partnership has the power to ignite something much bigger than any single program,” said Garner. “This is about developing a generation of civic-minded leaders who will shape not only Tacoma’s future, but the future of communities beyond our city limits.”
About the Mayor’s Youth Commission
Created in 2019 by Mayor Victoria Woodards, the Mayor’s Youth Commission provides Tacoma’s young people with a platform to advise local government, advocate for youth-centered issues, and lead community initiatives that make a difference. The Commission is composed of approximately 20 teen members representing schools across Tacoma.