Traverse City commissioners will consider approving a pilot program tonight (Monday) that would give local high school students a more "substantive" role in community government and politics - and could eventually lead to the creation of a Traverse City Youth Council.

Commissioner Gary Howe, City Clerk Benjamin Marentette and Traverse City West Senior High School instructor Tak Ready created the outline for the proposed "Adopt-A-Commissioner Youth Engagement Program," which if approved could launch in September. Teams of 5-6 students from Ready's government and civics classes would adopt a commissioner for a semester, meeting at least once a month to discuss current issues and events and work on a semester-long community team project. Projects could include public space improvements, the creation of new programs or other public initiatives. Commissioners would help guide the process, provide factual context on issues and also collect student input on topics before the commission. Commissioners would invite students to city meetings or events that could be of interest to students; students would similarly invite commissioners to school functions and events.

The goal of the pilot is to "increase youth involvement and investment in solving local problems" and "develop skills and leadership needed to navigate through institutions and community contexts to effect positive change," according to the proposal. City commissioners could also consider applying for a $5,000 Youth Endowment Grant this fall through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to support the program, with funds used to implement student projects.

If approved, commissioners, faculty and students will evaluate the pilot at the end of the 2015-16 school year and make a recommendation whether to continue and/or improve the program. The program "could lay the foundation" for the eventual creation of a formal Traverse City Youth Council - a concept that's been supported by several commissioners and local educational and community groups.

Also on tonight's city commission agenda: review of a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) request and the possible scheduling of a public hearing for a special land use permit related to a proposed nine-story development at the corner of Pine and Front streets; a request from the Commission on Aging to allow a food truck to operate at the Traverse City Senior Center; and the potential establishment of ad hoc committees to review the National Cherry Festival's fee structure, the city's garage fund and four appointments to the Brown Bridge Advisory Committee.