Capital City Concludes First Youth Council in a Decade

Trenton, N.J. – Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced the successful completion of Trenton’s first Youth Council in more than a decade, which gathered input from students representing all four Trenton wards on various city initiatives throughout the past year.

Members of the Mayor’s first inaugural Youth Council met with Trenton Public Schools (TPS) Board of Education President Addie Daniels-Lane, TPS Board of Education member Jeannie Weakliem, Chief Financial Officer of TPS Jayne Howard, At-Large Councilman Jerell Blakeley, and city staff from a range of departments.

The Youth Council met on expanding student usage of the WIN mobile application, which helps connect Trenton youth to shelter, food, education, jobs, and other services. The Youth Council also worked to increase awareness of recreational programming and improve transportation options for city youth.

“We as students honestly feel as though our voices are being heard, and that voice is informing action in our city,” said Ranai Morganis, Youth Council member and recent THS graduate. Morgan helped the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs achieve the “We Value Our Veterans Community Award” and served as the Mayor’s Youth Council liaison.

“Trenton is home to 22,383 residents under the age of 18, giving them a huge stake in the future of this city,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted our youth to have a seat at a table and we will continue this tradition once the Youth Council resumes in October 2020.”

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