The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced that it is accepting applications for its second Youth Transportation Advisory Board cohort. The agency seeks San Franciscans 14-19 years old, who are interested in transportation, the environment, public health, local government or social justice. The board members will be selected from each of the city’s supervisorial districts plus up to nine at-large members. Applications must be submitted through the agency’s online form by September 16th at 5 PM.
“The Youth Transportation Advisory Board will include voices of young people from across the city to better inform our policies and practices,” said Gwyneth Borden, Chair of the SFMTA Board of Directors. “By specifically amplifying the perspectives of local youth, the SFMTA is investing in the next generation of transit riders, whose experiences can and should shape the development of our transportation system.”
“Everyone has different experiences – each one of us joined YTAB for different reasons – we were able to come to better decisions because we are pulling from more knowledge,” shared a previous YTAB member. In reflecting on their experience, past board members felt that “YTAB was the first place that I felt listened to and like my opinion mattered.” With support from the Office of Racial Equity & Belonging, youth-oriented programming will continue to be developed, deepening an intentional racial equity lens, and modeled after the successful Youth Town Hall and SFMTA Board reports.
The SFMTA’s youth advisory board members will attend two meetings per month and have the opportunity to engage with workstreams across the Agency. A seat on this board will provide the opportunity for members to explore their interests and gain professional – and paid -- experience while serving their city.
All youth in between the ages of 14 and 19 that live in San Francisco are qualified. No prior work experience or specific academic standing is required to apply.
Applications for the 2022-23 cycle of YTAB are due by 5 PM on September 16th. Those who are interested are encouraged to visit the Youth Transportation Advisory Board page on sfmta.com or contact YTAB@sfmta.com with any questions.