Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) members have not decided on their next meeting date, according to Jeff Hou, founder of CMYC and senior.  Carmel youth leaders under guidance from Mayor James Brainard, city officials and members of the Advisory Board organize CMYC and meet every two weeks.

“In our meetings,” Hou said, “we will discuss the progress of each committee and also have general discussions about issues, projects and other ways to help the community.”

One of the services CMYC provides for the community is Park My Ride, which is hosted every Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Farmers’ Market. Park My Ride is a free biking parking service for anyone visiting the Farmers’ Market.

“I try to let the students create the agenda and facilitate the meetings because this is supposed to be a leadership learning experience for them,” Brainard said. “I am there to add my support, answer questions and make some connections for them in the community to individuals or groups that might be able to assist the CMYC in their goals.”

CMYC was founded on March 21, 2011. As the chairman of CMYC, Hou conducts meetings and oversees the progress of each committee to make sure everything is going smoothly. Although applications are no longer available, incoming high school students are encouraged to apply anytime between the months of March and May.

Brainard said, “I am very excited about kids getting more interested in their community. This is the city they will inherit so it is important for them to become engaged in its growth and involved in its development so they can influence its future success.”