Engaging Youth in City Planning: High School Perspectives on Redding’s Future Vision

In 2023, the University of California Cooperative Extension and the City of Redding engaged over 300 high school students in updating its General Plan. This process ensured youth perspectives shaped the city’s future. High school students participated in interactive discussions and anonymous surveys to share their thoughts on what they value and what improvements they want to see in Redding. Their feedback was collected and qualitative thematic analysis highlighted four key themes: addressing homelessness, expanding recreational and job opportunities, enhancing public safety, and fostering a stronger sense of community and diversity. These insights directly influenced revisions to the 2045 General Plan, demonstrating the impact of elevating youth voices, not historically involved in decision-making. This presentation will showcase the project’s methodology, student-driven findings, and lessons learned in integrating young voices into policymaking. The key finding in this project was the importance of inclusive youth participation in shaping sustainable and community-focused development.