Why Mansfield, Texas Lets High Schoolers Make Real Government Decisions (And You Should Too)
- Catherine Huckaby
- Aug 29
- 14 min read
Updated: Aug 31
Picture this: A group of teenagers sitting across from a U.S. Congressperson in his Capitol Hill office, asking questions that Google, or Grok can't answer. Or high school students designing community events that brings young people together in downtown spaces.
This isn't a civics class exercise or wishful thinking. It's the reality of the Mansfield Youth Council (MYC) in Texas.
Located thirty miles from Dallas with a population of 80,000, Mansfield has become a model for youth engagement in local government. Their youth council isn't just another resume-builder for college applications, it's a legitimate governing body with real influence, actual budget authority, and the kind of access to decision-makers that most adults never experience.
After speaking with five members of the council—seniors Kate Castro, Jada McClure, and Anika Sharma, along with tenth graders Joannah Inioluwa Olanipekun and Poornima Srivastava—and their city staff liaison Kristen Petree, one thing becomes crystal clear: this is what democracy looks like when young voices aren't just heard, but are given a seat at the table to actively shape the future of a growing city.
What Makes the Mansfield Youth Council Different
Ask Kate to describe the MYC, and she'll tell you it's far more than student government. "The council is comprised of about a dozen high school age students from across the city of Mansfield. We all have a broad range of interests, but we're all very curious and interested in city government and services," she explains.
"Our purpose is to pinpoint issues or subjects that impact the youth within our community and act on those matters."
The difference lies in that word "act." While many youth councils exist primarily as advisory bodies, the MYC wields real power. They have budget authority, direct access to city leadership, and the ability to implement their vision for the community.
Many students discovered the council through "My Mansfield Mini-versity"—a three-day summer program that introduces youth to city operations. Joannah shares: "The first time I heard about it, my friend told me, and I was like, 'oh, yeah, whatever.' But then after attending the mini-versity and learning more about it, I thought it was amazing."
Poornima describes the comprehensive program:
"Mini-versity is like an introduction to all the opportunities the youth council and city provide and shows youth how they can be more engaged in the community."
What drew these students to participate wasn't just curiosity about government, but a genuine desire to improve their community. For Joannah, it was,
"Just a sense of wanting more. Because even though I wasn't born in Mansfield, I've lived here for almost eight years. And I was thinking, 'what else is there that I can do?' I've been so interested in everything Mansfield and think it's the greatest city to exist."
Anika puts it beautifully: "I wanted to give back to the community. And I wanted to have a voice in the decisions that affected the teens in the city. I know a lot of people don't think about youth as being a majority of a city."
"At first, I wasn't really sure if it was something I wanted to join, but I've always been into volunteering and civic engagement. I tried it, and it has been a wonderful opportunity," Poornima reflects.
Behind the Budget: How Funding Creates Real Impact
Here's where Mansfield's approach gets serious: the MYC operates with an annual budget of roughly $30,000. For context, many youth councils across America operate with minimal or no dedicated funding at all.
Kate breaks down the numbers: "Most of our budget helps to fund our upperclassmen trip to the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, DC. $10,000 of the $30,000 is dedicated specifically to community events and outreach initiatives."
This financial backing transforms what's possible. As Kate notes,
"Knowing that we have funding dedicated to our purposes makes everything ten times easier. Throughout the year we're able to put on a multitude of events without worrying about how to afford those experiences."
Managing a municipal budget has also helped these teens develop fiscal responsibility. "Our youth council members tend to lean a bit more towards the frugal side," Kate notes. "We've been able to put on some events with just a few hundred dollars, depending on the scope."
The budget enables everything from community art nights to their signature trip to Washington, D.C., where they participate in a national conference with municipal leaders across the country—an experience that would be impossible without dedicated funding.
From Capitol Hill to Community Murals: Experiences Shaping Future Leaders
Ask any youth council member about their most impactful experience, and you'll hear about moments that would be impossible in traditional high school settings. For Kate, it was meeting Congressman Jake Ellzey during their trip to Washington:
"At our age, there really isn't any other opportunity to have a conversation with somebody like him. I can't tell you about any of my friends who are outside of the Youth Council who have ever had a conversation with somebody on Capitol Hill."
Anika echoes this sentiment: "Just being able to see them have a platform and how much they care about how everything comes together. We didn't get to talk to them one-on-one, but we felt like our voice was heard."
For Joannah, the most meaningful moments happen during the council's regular meetings: "When I look back at our youth council regular meetings, I think it's crazy to see how much we all grew from our first meeting to now. During our first meeting, we were all feeling each other out, trying to see what each one of us was good at."
The council's track record speaks volumes about the power of youth-driven initiatives. Their MySpace event, a teen-centered gathering held at The Lot in downtown Mansfield, highlighted their ability to create programming that resonates with their peers.
"This event was entirely designed and led by our members, and it offered a platform for our peers to engage in activities,"
Jada explains, "What made this event particularly meaningful was the opportunity to create a space tailored to the interests and preferences of Mansfield's youth, ensuring that they had a place to connect and express themselves."
The event featured multiple activities, as Jada details: "We had karaoke and a lot of games, which is super fun. We got to see people coming out of their comfort zones and really engage with everyone that was there. We also had a mural painting." The mural component was particularly special because,
"The community got to come together and create something that would stay there for a while."
The event created connections among young people who might never have met otherwise. As they all noted, none of the council members knew each other before joining—another win for these community-builders!
Project Hometown: Creating Third Spaces
The council's most ambitious undertaking is their Youth Master Plan, nicknamed "Project Hometown." This isn't just another teen initiative; it's a comprehensive strategy to address a critical gap in youth services.
Anika, who helps lead this subcommittee, explains the concept:
"Our plan is to create a 'third space' for youth, which is a place other than your home or where you study where youth can casually gather, collaborate, and unwind."
The initiative emerged from real conversations with their peers. As Joannah discovered: "My friends said we should all hang out together more. But then no one could think of a place to go that wasn't far away, like Arlington, or Grand Prairie. It made me think that since we live in Mansfield, we should be able to do something like this here."
This insight perfectly illustrates how the council creates real opportunities for youth voices to be heard. As Joannah explains their approach:
"We do everything for the youth by youth. We have lots of connections like our friends or just people around us. So, when we hear what they want, we can make that happen through our influence. It gives them a way to express themselves through us."
This is exactly the kind of insight that city leaders miss without inviting youth voices to the table. The council's solution goes beyond just requesting more teen programming—they're designing "a strategic initiative that is aimed at enhancing the quality of life, making the youth better by getting them to engage in the city more," according to Anika.
"It's designed with the goal of making our city more responsive to the needs and voices of our younger residents," she continues.
"Through the initiative, we're hoping to foster a stronger sense of community engagement, promote youth leadership and create inclusive spaces where teens are feeling heard."
Leadership Without Titles: How Mansfield's Council Operates Differently
Forget everything you know about traditional leadership structures. The MYC operates on a model that prioritizes collaboration over hierarchy.
"We don't have a president or vice president because we want everyone to feel as one together. Nobody is above each other and we can emphasize collaborative leadership and share responsibility with each other and not have one person doing more than others," Anika explains.
Instead, they work through project-based committees with rotating leadership. Anika describes,
"We operate with subcommittees led by a specific person-ish. For example, we had our volleyball event in the spring and our study nights and our cafe nights. For those events, we had different committee heads that were overseeing each one."
This structure reflects a sophisticated understanding of shared power that many adult organizations struggle to achieve. It also ensures that every voice contributes meaningfully to the council's work.
Why Every City Needs Youth Voices in Government Decision-Making
The impact extends far beyond the council members themselves. As Jada explains:
"The MYC has helped bridge the gap between city leadership and youth by showing that young people care deeply about their community and have valuable ideas to contribute."
She highlights their broader impact: "One of the most impactful things that we've done was participate in the National League of Cities Youth track, where we learned about how cities across the country are empowering young voices. We brought those ideas and lessons back to Mansfield, and we shared them with our leaders, helping shape more inclusive and forward-thinking youth programs."
Jada also contributes to intergenerational collaboration: "I also contribute regularly to the Mansfield Historical Preservation Committee, where I bring a youth perspective to [adult] conversations about stories and landmarks that should be highlighted. I think it's important that our city includes history for everyone, including young people, so that future generations can have a sense of ownership and pride in where they come from. That's exactly what the MYC stands for."
MYC staff liaison, Kristen Petree, has seen this transformation firsthand: "The young people on our youth council right now aren't just making decisions for themselves. They're influencing the city’s future for residents that will be here ten years from now, and those are not necessarily young people. They’ll be members of our community at all different points in their life."
The council has influenced major policy documents, including the city's economic development incentive policy and future land use plan. As Kristen notes:
"Those are both documents that will have a radical impact on what the city looks like in ten years. And the fact that everybody looked around the table at who was contributing to those plans and realized that we didn't have any young voices was important. The MYC members needed, and wanted, to be included."
The council's relationship with city leadership is evolving and collaborative. As Joannah explains their process: "For the most part, we don't meet with them directly, but we also don't always do it through someone. If the need arises, then we present to them and have those conversations. And in the future, we're planning on having more informal meetings with them so that we can all get to know each other."
Joannah also notes the city's openness to their ideas:
"I think they're very willing to listen to us and implement everything that we're doing. These are all very new ideas, like third spaces for young people. They're very open to all our ideas and looking forward to everything that we plan."
This understanding creates a virtuous cycle. When young people see that their input is valued and implemented, they become more invested. When they're more invested, they provide better feedback and ideas. When they provide better ideas, city leaders take them more seriously.
Poornima articulates why this matters: "The vast difference in necessity between the youth and adults of our community is something that can be best addressed when you're engaging with the youth." She notes how their involvement creates visible impact:
"Our goal for this year was enacting more third spaces, which allowed our youth to come together more. That allowed our local government to take the initiative to be like, 'we see what they want, we hear you, now how can we work towards that?'"
She expands on the importance of youth engagement: "Your local government is so important, especially as a student. You might feel like you don't get to engage a lot with your local government because you're so young, but I think getting involved early allows you to explore your options for the future. Whether that's through internships or volunteering, it lets your local government know that there are youth who want to be involved. It lets them know that they might want to put on a program like the MYC and that the youth community wants to be involved."
Poornima also notes the city's receptiveness:
"I think they were really willing to work with us. Just with the mini-versity program itself, being a three-day program and so long. They take us on tours of the city, including the fire station. I think that shows they want to work with us and see what we're coming up with and doing."
What Surprised These Teens About Working with City Officials
Most telling is what these young people discovered about public service that shattered their preconceptions. Jada reflects:
"What surprised me the most is how accessible and genuinely committed many city staff are, which sounds ironic because it's their job to be with the community. But a lot of times we get so caught up in looking at the national news and that's not the prettiest thing we see."
She continues: "I used to think that government was mostly formal and bureaucratic, but after working with them, I've realized how much heart goes into their roles, that they truly care about Mansfield and are constantly balancing complex issues while trying to make thoughtful, long-term decisions."
Jada also gained insight into the complexity of public service:
"I also didn't expect how much collaboration and behind-the-scenes coordination it takes to bring a single event to life. For example, I know we have a lot of construction plans in Mansfield that a lot of people are looking forward to, but we don't see what's happening behind the scenes. It's given me a new level of respect for public service, and it's made me more confident that young people can really make a difference when we're at the table."
This revelation matters because it's creating a generation of young people who see public service as meaningful work rather than political theater.
Career Impact: How Youth Council Experience Shapes Future Plans
While these students arrived with diverse career aspirations—from neurosurgery to aerospace engineering—their experience on the council has opened new possibilities.
Kate admits:
"I think somewhere down the line, I could see working in local government. I'm not sure where, but I'm interested enough that I would consider it. I don't think I would have that interest if I hadn't joined the MYC."
Anika agrees: "I know more now than I did last year coming into the MYC and getting to see the different layers of how local government works."
Even those not planning government careers, like Jada and Joannah who are focused on joining the medical field, see themselves maintaining civic involvement through volunteer service or board positions. As Jada puts it: "I think I want to keep the connections that I've been making. I do want to give back to my community just in a different way."
Joannah agrees: "I could see myself volunteering or just in service."
Poornima also expresses continued commitment to civic engagement:
"I really love being able to give back to my city and volunteering where I can. I think it's a really great opportunity."
Honest Advice for Aspiring Young Public Servants
Based on their experiences, these youth council members from Mansfield, TX offer nine pieces of invaluable advice for other young people considering civic engagement:
Start with Genuine Curiosity
Kate's journey began simply: "Honestly, I was really just curious. The year that I joined was the first year of the program, so I had no idea what to expect or what we were really supposed to do. My philosophy is learning how things work, which includes city government and services."
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Anika emphasizes growth through challenge: "For me it was curiosity and getting to do something that was out of my comfort zone. I know I would never have that opportunity just floating around."
Embrace the Learning Process
Poornima highlights the educational value: "It taught me a lot about how the city is governed and what goes into actually governing the city."
Connect Your Personal Interests to Public Service
Jada found inspiration in literature: "I was inspired by a public service leader named Wes Moore. He was the first Black governor of Maryland. His journey showed me that young people can make a difference when they step up and get involved."
Focus on Community Impact Over Personal Gain
According to Kristen: "The most crucial resource you must have for your Youth Council to be successful are having teens who genuinely care about their community. If you have members who are just showing up to add it to their resume, they won't be as invested."
Be Prepared to Learn Something New Every Day
Even experienced staff like Kristen focus on continued growth: "There's never going to be a day where you're an expert on everything. I learn from the MYC all the time."
Value the Planning Process as Much as the Outcome
Joannah appreciates the behind-the-scenes work: "You do all this planning to make everything perfect and then see the result of all your planning. Very, very impactful." She finds meaning in both the process and results: "Just going to an event and seeing how the turnout was, that's something that really stood out to me."
Understand the Long-term Perspective
Kate offers strategic thinking: "If a city wants its young residents to stay, return, or at the very least reminisce about their hometown, they should start a youth council. Healthy cities respond to the needs and wants of their entire population."
Develop Financial Stewardship Early
The council's approach to budget management teaches valuable lessons about fiscal responsibility while achieving meaningful impact. As Kate notes: "We've been able to put on some pretty amazing events on a tight budget."
Creating Lasting Change: The Future of Youth Engagement in Mansfield
Looking ahead, Kate identifies a central challenge:
"I'm really curious to see how the MYC is going to adapt to such a rapidly growing population, without trying to sacrifice that small town feel that is so central to the Mansfield identity."
This forward-thinking perspective exemplifies what makes these young leaders so valuable—they're not just solving today's problems but also anticipating tomorrow's challenges.
The council's work on Project Hometown represents exactly this kind of strategic planning. By creating third spaces for youth today, they're building the social infrastructure that will serve Mansfield's growing population for decades.
A Model for Other Organizations
The Mansfield Youth Council proves that meaningful youth engagement in local government isn't just possible, it's transformational. By providing real budget authority, genuine decision-making power, and direct access to city leadership, Mansfield has created something remarkable: a generation of young people who see themselves as stakeholders in their community's future.
Their collaborative leadership model, focus on community needs over individual achievement, and sophisticated understanding of long-term planning offer lessons for cities nationwide. Most importantly, they show that when we trust young people with real responsibility, they rise to meet it with wisdom, creativity, and genuine care for their communities.
The program has fundamentally changed how the city approaches community engagement, creating a culture where diverse voices are not just welcomed but actively sought out. This isn't just good for young people, it's good governance.
Looking ahead, these council members are prepared to work together to face challenges and offer solutions. It's exactly the kind of complex, long-term thinking that cities need—and these teens are more than ready to tackle it.
Resources and Organizations Mentioned
The National League of Cities (NLC) is a nonpartisan organization representing city, town, and village leaders across the United States, dedicated to strengthening local leadership, influencing federal policy, and driving innovative solutions to improve quality of life for more than two hundred million people.
The City of Mansfield, Texas is a suburban city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, known for its rich history dating back to the mid-19th century and its evolution from a rural community to a modern, growing city spanning Tarrant, Ellis, and Johnson counties.
The Mansfield Historic Landmark Commission, supported by the City Council, preserves the city's heritage by protecting historic buildings and spaces, recommending historic site designations, and guiding the community in keeping its unique historical character.
My Mansfield Mini-versity Program in Mansfield, Texas is a civic academy for high school students, offering hands-on experiences, facility tours, and interactive discussions to help teens learn about city government, network with peers, and explore opportunities like the Mansfield Youth Council.
