Apply to Serve on the SF Youth Commission

 Youth Commission 2026/2027 Application

Introduction

 The San Francisco Youth Commission is an advisory commission composed of 17 Youth Commissioners between the ages of 12 and 23 years old, and who are residents of the City & County of San Francisco. The Youth Commission serves as the official youth voice in City Hall and advises both the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on budget and policy policies that affect youth. You can read more about the City Charter and the duties and responsibilities of Commissioners here.

Throughout the year-long term, Commissioners are offered policy and budget advocacy training, leadership development skills, and one-on-one support as they identify the unmet needs of young people, engage in community building, and create lasting change in their communities. Commissioners will work together on issues such as housing, civic engagement, social justice, recreation, education, public transportation, climate change, immigration, and empowering youth voices citywide.

We are excited to announce the official application for youth to apply to serve on the 2026/2027 Youth Commission cohort. We are recruiting young people who are eager to understand the needs of San Francisco’s communities and youth, who have lived experience or experience with youth programs or leadership, and those who seek to hold our leaders in City Hall accountable. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm. To be eligible to serve on the San Francisco Youth Commission, you must be between the ages of 12 and 23 years old (by 9/6/2026), and must be a resident of the City and County of San Francisco. 

2627 YC Recruitment Flyer

Upcoming Events

If you’d like to learn more about the Youth Commission and our application process, please be sure to attend our upcoming information sessions and community application walkthrough in April 2026. You can RSVP to these events using this link: bit.ly/sfyc2627rsvp

  • Virtual Information Session
  • City Hall Information Session
    • Date/Time: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 (4:30pm-6pm)
    • Location: City Hall, Room 201
  • Community Application Walkthrough
    • Date/Time: Saturday, April 18th, 2026 (11am-1pm)
    • Location: Paris Cafe (142 McAllister St)

 

Before You Get Started

When filling out this application, you will be asked to respond to multiple essay questions. You may want to think about and prepare your essay responses (on a separate document) before continuing this application. Applicants are not allowed to use any type of AI-generated program to write these essays. After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be asked to submit one optional letter of recommendation.

 

For New Youth Commissioners (200 - 400 words each question):

  • What made you decide to apply to be a Youth Commissioner, and what does public service mean to you?
  • What is an accomplishment, event, or realization that changed your perspective or sparked personal growth and understanding?
  • As a Youth Commissioner, your main responsibility is to advise the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on the issues that young people face. If appointed, which issues would be your top priority to address?
  • How can you help the Youth Commission improve outreach to different communities across San Francisco?
  • How do you practice leadership? Do you have any leadership experience (i.e. within a club at school, community organization, work, or family)?
  • Is there any additional information you would like to share with us about yourself?*

 

For Returning Youth Commissioners (200 - 400 words each question):

  • How would you describe your experience on the Youth Commission, and what are you most proud of doing?
  • What was your most challenging experience as a Youth Commissioner, and what were there any lessons you learned?
  • What were your takeaways from your work in your committee (CEEC/EXEC/HRT/TJ), and the Budget and Policy Priorities process? Do you have any suggestions for next year?
  • If reappointed, are you interested in serving in a leadership position on your committee or on the full Commission?
  • If reappointed, what are your goals for the 2024/2025 YC term?
  • Is there any additional information you would like to share with us about yourself?*

 

You can edit your responses after you submit.

 

Letter of Recommendation

Please provide a letter of recommendation--a few paragraphs are sufficient--from someone not in your family. Any of the following may qualify: a teacher, counselor, probation officer, program manager, employer, church leader, mentor, coworker and/or someone who is able to accurately speak to your skills and leadership experience. This is optional and letters should be submitted separately and addressed to Youth Commission Staff. 

Those submitting a letter of recommendation can email the Youth Commission directly at: Youthcom@sfgov.org; PDF format only. Once submitted, the recommender will receive an email confirming that it has been received.

Please make submissions by Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm.


Timeline

March 30, 2026 - YC 26/27 Application Opens

April 7, 2026 - Virtual Info Session

April 14, 2026 - City Hall Info Session

April 18, 2026 - Community App Walkthrough

April 30, 2026 - YC 26/27 Application Closes

May/June 2026 - Staff Review & Interview Finalists

July 2026 - Mayor/BOS Appointment Decisions Made

August 2026 - Fall Retreat & Orientation

 

Thank You!

Depending on your written responses, you may or may not be invited for an interview with Youth Commission staff and youth commissioners via email. Please make sure your email address is accurate, because this is how we will contact you. Exact dates and times will be announced after you turn in your application. 

The Youth Commission makes recommendations of who to appoint to the commission to the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office. Ultimately, the members of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor choose who to appoint to the Youth Commission.

For more information: https://sfgov.org/youthcommission/ 

 

Questions or Concerns?

 

Contact us at:

San Francisco Youth Commission City Hall, Room 345

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, Ca 94102

Phone: (415) 554-6446

Fax: (415) 554.6140

Email: youthcom@sfgov.orgÂ