Youth Influencers: Transforming Planning Through Intergenerational Engagement

Youth represent 22 percent of the U.S. population, yet their voices remain largely absent in shaping the future of cities and regions. This presentation redefines youth engagement as a strategic necessity, not a feel-good add-on, for solving today’s biggest planning challenges, from climate resilience to housing affordability and equitable infrastructure.

Through compelling case studies, presenters demonstrate how planners can move beyond token participation to authentic, transformative, sustained youth collaboration. They challenge and inspire planners to do more than check a box in their engagement practices, and instead build a culture and resources for radical change by empowering youth. Learn practical, field-tested, actionable strategies for integrating youth into formal decision-making processes, co-designing projects, and fostering cross-generational partnerships that strengthen community buy-in.

Take away lessons from youth engagement experts with nationally award-winning community engagement experiences. They share what works, what fails, and how to navigate political resistance; and offer tools for measuring impact and sustaining youth involvement.

Whether embedding youth commissioners or co-creating climate-action strategies with high schoolers — when youth are at the table, planning outcomes are more creative, inclusive, and future-ready. Obtain adaptable frameworks for embedding youth engagement into plans, policies, and projects.