City of Columbia Now Accepting Applications for 2026–2027 Mayor's Youth Council

Columbia, TN (August 3, 2026) - The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Columbia Mayor's Youth Council (CMYC). Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout Maury County, including public, private, and homeschooled students, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore local government, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.

The Mayor's Youth Council provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how elected officials and municipal departments serve the Columbia community. Participants will engage with all 12 City departments, tour municipal facilities including the Columbia Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works, and hear directly from City leaders about the services they provide. Throughout the program, students will also collaborate to plan a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community. These hands-on experiences encourage civic engagement while providing participants with a deeper understanding of local government and how it impacts their daily lives.

"Columbia is a city that values the ideas, energy, and leadership of our young people," said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. "The Mayor's Youth Council gives students the opportunity to engage directly with local government, build relationships with City leaders, and work together on projects that make a lasting difference in our community."

Students accepted into the program will meet throughout the school year at Columbia City Hall and various City facilities. During 2026, the Council will meet once a month, with meetings increasing to twice a month in 2027 to include Special Project planning sessions. Regular meetings will feature presentations from City departments and community leaders, while the additional planning sessions will give students dedicated time to collaborate on a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community.

"The Mayor's Youth Council helps prepare the next generation of community leaders," said City Manager Tony Massey. "Through hands-on experiences and community involvement, students gain a deeper understanding of local government while building a stronger connection to Columbia."

Applications will be accepted from August 3 through August 28, 2026. Applicants must submit a completed application, a photo ID, and a current high school transcript that includes their unweighted GPA. Selected participants will be notified by September 3, 2026.