The 2025 GMA Youth Forum brought together young leaders from across Georgia to explore civic engagement, leadership development, and the impact of municipal governance. Held February 28 and March 1 at the Georgia Municipal Association headquarters in Atlanta, the event provided an inspiring platform for high school students, elected officials, and municipal leaders to connect, learn, and exchange ideas on shaping the future of their communities.

This year’s forum, hosted by GeorgiaForward, focused on equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to be active participants in their local governments. The agenda included a dynamic mix of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to bridge the gap between young people and municipal leadership. A “Discovery” registration was offered this year for cities interested in learning more about starting a youth council, providing them with resources and guidance to develop successful programs in their communities.

Engaging Discussions and Interactive Learning

The forum kicked off on Friday evening, February 28, with a welcome dinner and networking activities. Participants engaged in interactive icebreakers and team-building exercises designed to foster collaboration and leadership skills. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students and municipal leaders got to know one another and prepared for the impactful sessions ahead.

 Saturday’s keynote session featured a compelling panel discussion with three elected officials: Mayor Brooke Huckaby of Arabi, Councilmember Elena Hudson of Douglasville, and Councilmember Michael Taylor, Jr. of Hogansville. Each panelist shared their unique path to public service, discussing the challenges they faced as young leaders and the importance of youth representation in local government. Their inspiring stories resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the message that young people have a place in civic leadership.

The day continued with a variety of interactive workshops designed to educate and empower youth participants. The GMA Government Relations team, led by Noah Roenitz and Leona Rittenhouse, facilitated a policy development simulation, allowing students to experience the complexities of policymaking, from drafting legislation to debating its impact. A session on child rights introduced by Danielle Goldberg of UNICEF USA explored how municipal leaders can advocate for youth-friendly policies, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in shaping the future.

Another workshop focused on leadership development, encouraging participants to think big and embrace challenges through engaging discussions and activities led by Freddie Broome of GMA’s Director of Community and Workplace Culture. Students also learned about community placemaking and the role of public art in fostering civic identity and engagement, guided by GMA Managing Director of GeorgiaForward, Sadie Krawczyk. 

While students participated in these youth-focused sessions, chaperones and adult leaders attended concurrent workshops tailored to their role in fostering youth civic engagement. These sessions included discussions on building the pipeline to public service, led by Dr. Randell Trammell of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement; effective communication strategies for mentoring young leaders, led by Freddie Broome; and a collaborative exchange of ideas and best practices facilitated by GMA Member Services Consultant Artiffany Stanley.

The event also featured an impromptu visit from District 38 State Representative David Wilkerson, providing students with an opportunity to hear firsthand about state government and leadership. The weekend concluded with a fun outing and team-building event, allowing participants to unwind and strengthen the connections they had built throughout the forum.

A Lasting Impact

The 2025 GMA Youth Forum successfully reinforced the significance of youth involvement in local government, providing students with the tools and inspiration to become active civic leaders. As Georgia municipalities continue to seek innovative ways to engage young residents, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring the next generation is equipped and motivated to lead. Through discussions, networking, and hands-on learning, the forum demonstrated that young voices matter and that municipal government is stronger when it includes the perspectives and ideas of future leaders. As one student participant remarked, “This forum showed me that I don’t have to wait until I’m older to make a difference—I can start now.”

With the momentum generated from this year’s event, GeorgiaForward and GMA look forward to expanding youth engagement efforts and continuing to support the next generation of municipal leaders. The enthusiasm and energy displayed at the 2025 Youth Forum are a testament to the bright future of Georgia’s communities. Later this year, the Youth Symposium will take place in Savannah, providing another opportunity for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and leadership development. GMA thanks Savannah for hosting the Youth Symposium, with the date and more details to be announced soon.