14 Mar Step Into the Mayor’s Shoes: Calgary’s Mayor for a Day Experience
Youth have the power to make some real changes in our city. Every year, Youth Central calls on youth to step up and share their visions for a better Calgary through the Mayor for a Day contest. This isn’t just another activity – it’s a chance to collaborate with the Mayor and bring fresh ideas to life.The Mayor for a Day contest is a cornerstone of the Mayor’s Youth Council program, which takes leadership skills and civic engagement and puts them into action.
The goal? To amplify youth voices on pressing local issues.
Introducing Shay, our 2024 Mayor for a Day winner!
Shay learned about the contest from a post on their school’s Instagram and thought it was a perfect winter break project. Applying online was easy, and soon enough, Shay was passionately addressing civic concerns including:
- Increasing the housing supply by altering zoning laws and incentivising businesses.
- Improving existing city amenities before building new ones.
- Enhancing public transportation, specifically frequency and connectivity for youth in the suburbs.
Shay’s stint as Mayor for a Day was a real eye-opener, offering a peek behind the curtain of city operations. From exploring the hidden corners of city hall to sitting in on council meetings, Shay gained a whole new perspective on what it takes to run our city. The sheer volume of work, the collaborative nature of council discussions, and the deep connections councilors have with their communities stood out to Shay.
Conversations with city staff and councilors were a highlight, providing a platform for Shay to represent the youth perspective on city matters.
“I appreciated the opportunity to represent young people in Calgary and how they might see or respond to different issues on the table.”
What’s Shay’s message to other Calgary youth? “Just go and do it! You won’t regret it.” And who knows, you might just be the next one to get your ideas in front of the city leaders.
Shay’s experience was not only fun but also an inspiring example of how we can empower youth to actively shape a better future. Young citizens have incredible potential and it’s important to give them a platform to be heard. When given the opportunity, Calgary’s youth will rise to the occasion and make a real impact on their community. Looking forward, one of Shay’s proposals is already stirring up conversations, proving that youth voices matter.
Mayor for a Day is just one of hundreds of opportunities available through Youth Central. What are you waiting for? Join us and let’s show Calgary the power of its youth!
Other media coverage
Livewire Calgary
Calgary Herald