Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council Convenes Today for Public Session

Youth Leadership Takes Center Stage in Jacksonville

Today, Saturday, February 7, 2026, the City of Jacksonville officially convenes the Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council (MYLAC) for a scheduled session at 9:00 a.m. This meeting represents a key component of Mayor Donna Deegan’s initiative to integrate youth perspectives into the local legislative process and community development. The session is held in person and remains open to the public, inviting residents to observe the council’s internal deliberations and strategic planning for the spring season.

Community Outreach and Engagement Efforts

Beyond the formal meeting, members of the Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council will be active in the community throughout the afternoon. The city has confirmed an information and outreach booth at the Riverside Arts Market, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 715 Riverside Avenue. This presence is designed to facilitate direct dialogue between the city's youth representatives and the general public, providing a platform for residents to discuss neighborhood concerns and learn about upcoming municipal projects.

Civil Rights Trail Expansion Recognition

Today’s sessions come on the heels of a major announcement regarding Jacksonville’s historical legacy. Earlier this week, Mayor Deegan confirmed that Jacksonville has been officially designated as a 2026 expansion site for the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. While the first of 40 planned markers will not be installed until later this month, the Mayor’s office has emphasized that today’s youth meetings and weekend community events serve as a bridge to this new programming. The inclusion in the national trail aims to highlight Jacksonville’s pivotal role in civil rights history, focusing on key neighborhoods and institutions that fostered local activism.

Looking Ahead: High-Stakes Committee Meetings

While the weekend focus remains on advisory boards and community outreach, the City of Jacksonville is preparing for significant legislative activity early next week. On Monday, February 9, the City Council Special Committee on the Future of Downtown is scheduled to meet in the Council Chamber at City Hall. This committee is tasked with addressing critical infrastructure needs and housing affordability, matters that were previewed in recent town hall sessions. Today’s MYLAC discussions are expected to touch upon these downtown revitalization efforts as the city seeks a multigenerational approach to urban planning and economic growth.

• 9:00 a.m. — Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council Official Meeting
• 10:00 a.m. — MYLAC Community Outreach Booth at Riverside Arts Market
• 6:00 p.m. — Saturday Sounds at Friendship Fountain (Community Networking)