City officials participate in Local Officials Day at Utah Capitol
Eagle Mountain City officials and the Eagle Mountain Youth Council on Wednesday participated in the annual Local Officials Day at the Utah State Capitol.
This event, organized by the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT), aims to engage local leaders and youth in the legislative process, fostering a deeper understanding of governance and civic involvement.
“I’ve been getting so much knowledge,” says KJ Call, Eagle Mountain Youth Councilmember. “We’ve had different people who are involved in so many things and they’ve been giving us their knowledge. Youth Council can build up leadership and help you later on in life.”
The day’s activities commenced with a breakfast in the Capitol Rotunda, providing attendees with an opportunity to network and discuss pertinent issues facing their communities. Following breakfast, participants engaged in various Capitol activities designed to offer insights into the workings of state government.
A highlight for the youth council was the mock floor debate, where they presented and debated policy proposals they had developed. This exercise mirrored the actual legislative process, offering students a hands-on experience in policymaking.
“My favorite topic was about how St. George wanted to put in Frontrunner,” said Call. “It was interesting to see how many people got up to speak about the process and what they wanted to change. It was cool seeing everything that went into it.”
In addition to the debate, several panels were conducted to educate attendees on various aspects of governance. Topics included the Utah legislative college internship program, strategies for effective advocacy and an overview of how the legislative process operates.
These sessions aimed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary for active civic participation.
The Eagle Mountain Youth Council comprises Youth Council Mayor Benjamin Bird and council members Ericcson Ansah-Antwi, Eliza Bird, KJ Call, Ed Vanisi, and Lucy Washburn.
Their participation in Local Officials Day underscores Eagle Mountain City’s commitment to involving youth in local governance and decision-making processes.
The luncheon provided a platform for further interaction between local officials, youth council members and state legislators. Discussions centered on current legislative issues, community development and the pivotal role of youth in shaping Utah’s future.
Local Officials Day serves as a reminder to Utah’s dedication to civic education and youth involvement.
“Youth Council has been very valuable,” Call said. “I’ve learned a lot of different things through leadership conferences and other things. Just helping Eagle Mountain all together.”
The Eagle Mountain Youth Council elections are held in the spring of every year.