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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010 2025-03-26_report Youth informed Goal Revision Youth-Informed Revisions to Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Goals Introduction This report synthesizes youth feedback from 110 Jefferson County Students and offers edits to the Comprehensive Plan goals that reflect youth voice, lived experiences, and systemic equity needs . Many youth who contributed feedback come from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds : rural areas with limited services, low-income households, LGBTQ+ identities, or face barriers related to disability , transportation , or youth marginalization in public planning. ● Prioritizing the needs of youth who experience compounding barriers ● Addressing geographic inequities (e.g., limited resources in Quilcene and Chimacum) ● Including youth with disabilities, mental health needs, and those who lack transportation ● Highlighting the need for safer, more inclusive, and culturally affirming community spaces ● Calling out gaps in youth voice and civic power Each goal is reviewed with a specific emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, fairness, and belonging — to create a Jefferson County that supports all young people, especially those historically left out of planning processes. Housing ● Youth consistently expressed concern over high housing costs and the inaccessibility of affordable options , especially for first-time renters or buyers. ● Several noted that housing is built for older adults or wealthier people , leaving younger and lower-income residents out. ● LGBTQ+ youth and disabled youth often face discrimination in housing markets , limited rental options , and may need supportive or shared housing models . ● Rural youth feel cut off from housing and services unless they move to Port Townsend or out of the county altogether. ● There is deep concern that youth are being priced out of their own hometowns , making long-term residency seem unattainable. Goal to Edit: HS-G-1 Original: “Encourage and support efforts to increase affordable housing options and availability for current and future county residents of all income groups.” Recommended Revision: “Encourage and support efforts to increase deeply affordable, inclusive, and accessible housing options for current and future county residents of all income levels, abilities, and identities — especially for youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled residents, and low-income families. Prioritize housing types and locations that promote equity in access to opportunity across both urban and rural communities.” Why this change matters: This language explicitly: ● Names populations who are often excluded or discriminated against in the housing market ● Recognizes the intersectional challenges faced by youth with multiple marginalized identities ● Expands “affordable” to include deep affordability and accessibility (for disabled youth or those in nontraditional family structures) ● Elevates geographic equity by ensuring rural communities are part of housing strategies Recreation & Facilities Youth described a severe lack of accessible, inclusive, and engaging spaces to hang out, play, or gather — especially after hours. Key equity insights include: ● Rural youth (e.g. Quilcene, Chimacum) feel disconnected from existing community centers or activities. ● Disabled youth lack physically accessible and sensory-inclusive recreational options. ● LGBTQ+ youth want safe, affirming spaces where they won’t be harassed or excluded. ● Many youth pointed out that recreation infrastructure feels designed for seniors or tourists , not for them. ● Lack of facilities contributes to isolation, boredom, and unsafe behaviors (e.g. substance use, mental health struggles). ● Specific asks included a new recreation center , cozy hangout spaces , a bowling alley , music venues , and more sports access , especially for underserved groups. Goal to Edit: OS-G-4 Original: “Develop and maintain public park and recreational facilities that are responsive to the needs and interests of Jefferson County residents and visitors.” Recommended Revision: “Develop and maintain public park and recreational facilities that are inclusive, youth-friendly, physically accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of Jefferson County residents — including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, rural, and low-income youth. Prioritize spaces that promote safety, social connection, recreation, and creative expression for young people of all backgrounds.” Why this change matters: ● Adds explicit equity language: inclusion of race, gender identity, disability, geography, and income ● Expands the idea of “responsive” to include cultural relevance , physical access , and emotional safety ● Aligns with feedback calling for indoor/outdoor gathering spaces , hangouts, and places where all youth feel they belong Goal to Edit: CF-G-1 Original: “Establish appropriate levels of service for public facilities.” Recommended Revision: “Establish and maintain equitable levels of service for public facilities — including libraries, community centers, recreation spaces, and cultural hubs — with attention to rural access, youth participation, universal design, and the needs of marginalized populations such as LGBTQ+ and disabled residents.” Why this change matters: ● Shifts the focus from generic “service” to equity in availability and quality of facilities ● Encourages investments in underserved areas like Chimacum or Quilcene ● Elevates disability equity (e.g. accessible bathrooms, sensory-friendly design, ramps, etc.) ● Recognizes the need for spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can gather without fear or stigma. Transportation Youth flagged transportation as one of the biggest equity barriers in Jefferson County. Key takeaways: ● Rural youth (especially in Chimacum and Quilcene) feel isolated without access to transit. ● Youth without driver’s licenses, cars, or family support feel “trapped” and unable to access school events, jobs, or fun. ● They asked for free transportation to youth events , youth-friendly dial-a-ride , and later bus hours . ● Disabled youth are often excluded from walking/biking routes due to poor infrastructure or inaccessibility. ● Many areas lack basic sidewalk safety , lighting, or marked crosswalks, especially for youth walking or biking home. ● Public transit is not seen as reliable or equitable for young, car-less, low-income, or disabled users . Goal to Edit: TR-G-2 Original: “Promote a coordinated and integrated public transportation system available to all that is reliable, safe, cost effective, energy efficient, and contributes to the cultural and economic betterment of the residents of Jefferson County.” Recommended Revision: “Promote a coordinated and integrated public transportation system that is accessible, affordable, and reliable for all — especially for rural residents, youth, elders, disabled riders, and those without access to a personal vehicle. Ensure that transit routes and hours equitably connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation opportunities, including culturally relevant youth activities and events.” Why this change matters: ● Names specific marginalized groups affected by lack of transit ● Pushes for affordability and evening/weekend service that serve youth and low-income riders ● Highlights connection to quality of life : jobs, healthcare, education, fun ● Acknowledges that equitable transportation is more than efficiency — it’s about access, dignity, and participation Goal to Edit: TR-G-3 Original: “Provide safe, accessible, and convenient routes, trails, parking facilities, trailheads, and other amenities that promote the use of non-motorized travel in a manner that integrates other forms of transportation.” Recommended Revision: “Provide safe, inclusive, and universally accessible walking and biking routes — including sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and trails — that promote non-motorized travel for people of all ages and abilities. Prioritize investments in rural areas, school zones, and underserved neighborhoods to support safe travel for youth, disabled residents, and those without vehicles.” Why this change matters: ● Focuses on universal access and disabled inclusion ● Names school zones and rural neighborhoods as priority zones for investment ● Addresses safety equity: many youth don’t have safe walking routes home ● Makes clear that mobility is a justice issue , not just a logistics one Goal to Edit: TR-G-7 Original: “Ensure that transportation planning includes extensive opportunities for public involvement.” Recommended Revision: “Ensure that transportation planning includes equitable opportunities for public involvement — especially from youth, disabled individuals, rural residents, and historically underrepresented communities. Create youth-friendly engagement opportunities through schools, online platforms, and community partnerships.” Why this change matters: ● Tackles the issue of who gets to be heard ● Builds intergenerational civic participation , especially from marginalized youth ● Encourages inclusive outreach methods, not just traditional town hall models Jobs & Economic Development Youth are deeply concerned about their economic future in Jefferson County. Their concerns highlight systemic barriers: ● Few job opportunities for high schoolers , especially in rural areas and outside coffee/retail. ● Lack of internships or career pathways in tech, trades, creative fields, or science — especially for disabled youth or youth of color . ● LGBTQ+ youth want welcoming workplaces that are affirming and safe. ● Youth want local businesses that reflect their interests — thrift stores, hangouts, accessible eateries — but most close early or cater to tourists. ● Many can't imagine affording to live or work in Jefferson County after graduation — they feel pushed out by economics . Goal to Edit: ED-G-2 Original: “Support a comprehensive approach to education and training for employment, job retention, and advancement.” Recommended Revision: “Support a comprehensive and inclusive approach to education and workforce development that prepares all residents — including youth, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, rural, and disabled individuals — for employment, job retention, and career advancement. Expand access to internships, apprenticeships, paid work experience, and job training in both traditional and emerging fields.” Why this change matters: ● Names youth and underrepresented groups directly ● Expands the focus to non-college career paths (e.g. trades, tech, arts) ● Encourages real-world access to job experience — not just theoretical training ● Supports economic inclusion and anti-discrimination in employment Goal to Edit: ED-G-4 Original: “Work in partnership with public and private economic development interests to review barriers, consider flexible regulations that incentivize, encourage and facilitate innovative economic opportunities within the County.” Recommended Revision: “Work in partnership with public and private economic development organizations to identify and eliminate barriers to equitable business and employment growth. Encourage flexible, inclusive economic policies that support small businesses, youth-run enterprises, culturally relevant services, and businesses that reflect the needs of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ and rural youth.” Why this change matters: ● Encourages youth entrepreneurship ● Builds space for culturally relevant businesses (e.g. queer-owned cafés, BIPOC-centered stores, sensory-inclusive spaces) ● Shifts economic growth from “who’s here now” to “who needs to be included” ● Focuses not just on innovation but economic justice and inclusion Education & Youth Involvement Youth want to be heard, included, and respected — but many experience systemic barriers: ● Youth say "it’s hard to get a word in being a minor” and “we’re not taken seriously.” ● LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color often feel invisible or excluded in civic spaces. ● Youth in rural areas can’t attend planning meetings due to distance and transportation. ● Many feel they have no accessible way to participate , and feedback processes aren’t youth-friendly. ● They want more forums, information-sharing, and safe platforms to contribute. ● Youth want schools to support them better — more mental health resources, AP classes, Driver’s Ed, anti-harassment efforts , and support navigating life beyond school. ● There's a strong desire to contribute to solving housing, climate, and community issues , if only systems would make space for them . Goal to Edit: TR-G-7 (Transportation – Public Involvement) Original: “Ensure that transportation planning includes extensive opportunities for public involvement.” Recommended Revision: “Ensure that transportation planning includes equitable and accessible opportunities for public involvement — including youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled residents, rural communities, and communities of color. Provide multiple ways for participation, such as youth-led forums, school partnerships, online platforms, and translated materials.” Why this change matters: ● Expands “public” to explicitly include historically marginalized voices ● Highlights accessibility (time, language, format) as essential to equity ● Suggests real mechanisms for youth and marginalized folks to participate Goal to Edit: CE-G-18 (Climate Resilience – Public Engagement) Original: “Increase public involvement, communication, and participation in programs to support resilience and adaptation.” Recommended Revision: “Increase public involvement, communication, and participation in climate resilience and adaptation programs — with intentional outreach to youth, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ residents, low-income families, and people with disabilities. Support school-based education, youth-led initiatives, and culturally inclusive strategies that empower all generations to shape a resilient future.” Why this change matters: ● Acknowledges disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups ● Encourages youth environmental leadership ● Connects climate resilience to education equity and civic power Additional Recommendation: NEW GOAL under Capital Facilities or Community Engagement “Foster meaningful, ongoing youth participation in local planning and decision-making. Create structures for youth leadership — such as advisory councils, paid internships, school partnerships, and forums — with special outreach to LGBTQ+, disabled, BIPOC, and rural youth. Ensure youth voice shapes policies, facilities, and investments that impact their lives.” Why this new goal matters: ● Youth want permanent seats at the table , not one-time surveys ● Pays young people for their time and insights ● Ensures youth inclusion is institutionalized, not performative ● Helps break cycles of civic exclusion and adultism Final Thoughts These revised goals are more than just edits — they’re a blueprint for building a youth-inclusive , equity-centered , and future-ready Jefferson County. They prioritize: ● LGBTQ+ safety and belonging ● Rural accessibility ● Disability inclusion and universal design ● Youth leadership and representation ● Equitable access to housing, jobs, transportation, and community life By incorporating these changes, Jefferson County will take a real step toward becoming a place where all young people — no matter who they are or where they live — can thrive, contribute, and call it home.