The 2015 City Livability Award recognized mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities, focusing on the leadership, creativity and innovation demonstrated by mayors. This year’s winning cities were selected by former mayors from a pool of over 200 applicants.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the City of Boston,” said Mayor Walsh. “We’re involving our youngest and brightest residents in local government, and empowering them to make positive changes in their neighborhoods. I am proud we were able to challenge young people to think critically about how to spend taxpayer dollars in a way that better serves the people. This fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability and they walk away knowing their voices matter.”
This is the 36th year in which cities have competed for the award, which is sponsored by the Conference of Mayors and Waste Management, Inc., the nation’s largest environmental solutions provider. Boston was recognized for its “Youth Lead the Change Program,” which aims to create a foundation of trust and collaboration between city officials and the youth in the surrounding community. The program, entirely youth-led, puts young people aged 12-25 in direct control over $1 million of the city budget. To view the video presentation, please click here.
Over 1,550 youth participated in the 2014 program, and seven projects were funded, including park renovations, art wall construction, sidewalk improvements, and a skate park feasibility study. This year, over 2,500 youth participated in the program and voted on how funding should be allocated.
“This is a process designed by and for young people,” said Shari Davis, Director of the City’s Department of Youth Engagement and Employment. “One big piece of Youth Lead the Change’s success is creating real opportunities for youth participation. We were able to do that by meeting young people where they are, building relationships, and allowing them to be the experts that we know they are in spaces where they are safe and comfortable.”
For more information about Youth Lead the Change and this year’s winning projects, visit the City of Boston site.
