Youth in City is a branch of Alabama Youth in Government (ALYIG) designed to introduce middle and high school students to local government leadership. Participants step into the roles of Mayor, City Council members, and delegates to experience how city government works.
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Students learn how ordinances are created, debated, and passed.
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Leadership opportunities include running for Youth Mayor, serving on City Council, and writing ordinances.
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The program promotes civic engagement, leadership development, teamwork, and public speaking skills.
Youth in City is an excellent starting point for students who may later join Youth Legislature or other ALYIG programs.
Registration Coming Soon!
Ordinance-Template_Youth-In-City- (This PDF serves as a template only. The official submission link will be provided on this page when registration is live.)
Each Youth in City participant will submit an ordinance (a proposed city law or policy idea) to be debated and voted on by the Youth City Council. Your ordinance should follow the official format below:
Steps to Complete:
Ordinance Title – Write a clear title (e.g., An Ordinance to Create a Recycling Program for City Schools).
Steps to Complete Your Ordinance:
Preamble – Begin with “Be it ordained by the City Council of Montgomery, Alabama…” State the general purpose of your ordinance in one or two sentences.
Section 1 – Definitions – Clearly define any key terms that appear in your ordinance. Example: “Recycling bin” shall mean a container clearly labeled for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, and aluminum.
Section 2 – Explanation – Provide background and reasoning for your ordinance. Explain the issue it addresses and why it is important for your community.
Section 3 – Action – State exactly what your ordinance will do. Example: All city schools shall place at least two recycling bins in the cafeteria and hallways.
Section 4 – Cost and Funding – Outline any financial impact and how it will be covered. If no costs are required, write “No additional funding necessary.”
Section 5 – Repealing Clause – Write: “All laws or parts of laws in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.”
Section 6 – Enactment Clause – State when the ordinance will go into effect. Example: “This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage.”
Author Information – At the top of the page, include all of the authors’ names and school (delegation). The delegate bill number and committee will be assigned by the city council.
Mayor Nomination Form- (Please complete this form in full and submit it to YMCA staff on the morning of the conference.)
Students interested in running for Youth Mayor must complete and submit the Mayor Nomination Form.
Steps to Complete:
Personal Information – Fill in your full name, grade, and school. Provide your advisor’s name and contact information.
Nomination Statement – Prepare a short speech explaining why you are running for Mayor. Include qualities that make you a strong leader (ex: teamwork, responsibility, communication skills).
Endorsements – Collect ten student signatures from peers supporting your candidacy. Obtain your advisor’s approval/signature.
Submission – Submit the completed form the morning of the conference.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jessica Owens at 334-229-0037 or jessicaowens@ymcamontgomery.org