DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Clerk
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Extending the Terms of Current Hayward Youth Commission Voting Members through June 30, 2027, and Promoting Alternates to Voting Member Status with Terms Expiring June 30, 2027
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment II) extending terms of six (6) Hayward Youth Commission members through June 30, 2027, as well as promoting nine (9) alternates to voting member status with terms expiring June 30, 2027.
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SUMMARY
The City of Hayward traditionally conducts its annual recruitment for the Hayward Youth Commission (HYC) between March to May of each year.
The HYC consists of twenty-one (21) members and eleven (11) alternates. Six voting members whose terms expire in June 2026 have been determined to be eligible and in good standing to continue their service. In addition, nine alternates have been identified as being in good standing and eligible to continue serving on the Commission.
Due to current staffing reductions, the prioritization of the City’s Passport Program, and the significant staff resources required to conduct the annual recruitment process, including outreach, application review, interviews, onboarding, and ongoing coordination, staff was unable to conduct the 2026 Hayward Youth Commission recruitment.
To assess future participation, staff surveyed all current commissioners regarding their willingness to continue serving. Based on the response received, four voting members will not continue serving due to attending college in the fall, one voting member will age out and no longer be eligible to serve, and two alternates will not continue serving due to attending college in the fall.
Considering these anticipated vacancies and current operational priorities, staff recommends extending the terms of eligible voting members by one year to preserve continuity and institutional knowledge within the Commission. Staff further recommend filling the seven upcoming member vacancies by promoting alternates who have demonstrated solid attendance and participation. The alternate positions would remain temporarily vacant, as alternates do not count toward quorum and a temporary reduction in alternate membership will not impact the Commission’s ability to conduct business.
This approach will allow the Commission to continue operating effectively with twenty-five (25) active members, maintaining quorum, operational continuity, and active youth representation during a period of limited staffing resources. Because the terms of six current voting members are recommended to be extended and nine alternates are recommended for promotion to voting member status, the Commission will temporarily operate with twenty-five voting members rather than its standard twenty-one voting members. This temporary adjustment will ensure continued participation by engaged youth leaders while maintaining operational continuity until the next recruitment cycle is conducted in 2027.
Although this approach results in no alternate members serving during the upcoming year, it provides an opportunity for engaged alternates to assume voting roles while ensuring the Commission remains functional and productive.
An Informational Report was presented to the City Council on March 13, 2026, to inform the City Council of staff’s decision to suspend the 2026 recruitment process, extend the terms of eligible members through June 30, 2027, and promote alternates to voting member status. This information was also shared with the Hayward Youth Commission. Additionally, this approach creates an opportunity to engage current commissioners in the 2027 recruitment effort by partnering with the City Clerk’s Office to conduct outreach at local schools. This outreach will allow students to learn about the Commission’s accomplishments, future goals, and service opportunities while promoting representation from schools throughout Hayward.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution