The members of the group that will serve as the oversight and advisory board for the majority of the Best Starts for Kids Levy funded programming received the unanimous approval of the Metropolitan King County Council. The members of the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB) consist of individuals from throughout the region with the experience, knowledge and information to aid county leaders as they consider policies, investments and outcomes related to children, families, youth and young adults.
“King County boasts exceptional leaders in child and youth development and advocacy,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “The County is fortunate so many outstanding people offer their time to serve on the Children and Youth Advisory Board.”
A board that would act as an advisory body was one of the recommendations that came from the Youth Action Plan, the proposal setting King County’s priorities for serving infants through young adults. The board will also provide oversight on the proceeds from the voter-approved Best Starts for Kids levy set for specific uses: the Children and Youth Under Five Allocation; the Children and Youth Ages Five through Twenty-Four Allocation; and the Data and Evaluation Allocation.
“I am thrilled to see this recommendation from King County’s Youth Action Plan for reforming governance of our kids programs come to life,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski, the prime sponsor of the legislation that created the Youth Action Plan, who represents north Kirkland, Kenmore and Bothell on the council. “We are lucky to have such talented and accomplished board members to help steer us toward our goals. Today’s confirmation vote marks an important milestone in our re-invigorated efforts to improve the lives of kids throughout King County.”
“The members of this panel will have a major voice on the future of Best Starts for Kids, so they will have a major voice on the future of young people in King County,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “I’m encouraged that young people will have a role on the board and hope their voices are heard.”
The ordinance that established the CYAB required that at least three members of the board be youth under the age of 24 and that the composition of the board represent a wide array of King County residents and stakeholders with geographically and culturally diverse perspectives.
“The Best Start for Kids levy is a tremendous opportunity to dramatically increase the likelihood of success for families, infants and youth in King County,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who represents Kirkland on the council. “If we use this resource wisely, we will also be positioned to decrease long-term criminal justice involvement, substance abuse and poverty. I am pleased we have such a diverse and knowledgeable group of people to guide us in this critical planning work by serving on the Children and Youth Advisory Board.”
The CYAB will carry dual responsibilities that are tied to both the Youth Action Plan as well as the Best Starts for Kids Levy:
- Assist County policymakers as they consider outcomes, policies, and investments for children, families, youth and young adults; and
- Serve as the Best Starts for Kids (BSK) strategies oversight and advisory body, including collaborating on the BSK implementation plan and making recommendations on and monitoring the distributions of levy proceeds.
“It is critical that we develop policies and investments that create positive impacts for children and families throughout South King County,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
The members of the CYAB will serve staggered terms of two, three and four years. After serving their initial terms, all members of the CYAB will serve three-year terms.
