Los Angeles, CA — Today, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez who has championed elevating youth participation in the city and the creation of a Youth Development Department, introduced legislation to create the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council. The council which will include two youth representatives from each council district will educate and invite their participation in their city government.
The Olivia Mitchell Youth Council will be similar to the Youth Advisory Council established by Mayor Tom Bradley in 1974 and will give participants an insight into how the City of Los Angeles works. Olivia Mitchell, a member of Mayor Bradley’s staff, oversaw the Youth Advisory Council. The impact of her dedication to youth in Los Angeles can still be felt today. For more than 50 years, Olivia’s passion for mentoring young Angelenos and her love of the City of Los Angeles has inspired leaders including alumni of the program former Councilmembers Tom LaBonge, Wendy Greuel along with current Councilmembers Mark Ridley-Thomas and Paul Koretz.
“A result of Mayor Bradley’s efforts to engage youth and Olivia Mitchell’s leadership, I was selected to participate in Student Day in Government in 1992, and that early introduction ignited my passion for City service and fuels my work to reform and to hold ourselves accountable for investments in youth that are commensurate with public safety investments, to help them achieve their full potential.” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “Her work and mentorship has impacted thousands and this new youth council will ensure her legacy inspiring our youth to embrace a life of service and engagement with City Government will continue.”
“The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council under Olivia’s leadership was my first opportunity to participate in government as a young person,” said Councilmember Paul Koretz. “Her guidance and mentorship helped get me involved in what would be a lengthy career in public service. I will always be grateful to her.”
“One of the best investments we can make for the future is an investment in our youth. For me and so many others who’ve become public officials, community leaders, and change agents, it started with the Youth Advisory Council,” said Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas. “I’m thankful for Mayor Tom Bradley and his staff for investing in me. No one was more instrumental in the Youth Council’s success than Olivia Mitchell. It’s suiting for it to be named in her honor, and it’s time to bring back a space for young people who have a desire to make a difference in our communities and our City at-large.”
Olivia has always been an advocate for every young person to reach their full potential. In honor of her commitment to youth development, service and the City of Los Angeles, Councilwoman Rodriguez’s motion directs the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to create the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council.
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.