At the 2024 Kitsap Youth Forum Oct. 15, students from across the county expressed their concerns and ideas on topics that affect them.

Co-hosted by the Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth and the Kitsap Public Health District, the event offered the opportunity for young people to share their thoughts with local policymakers.

“The main goal is to create a platform where young people can share their thoughts and concerns directly with decision-makers,” program coordinator Laura Hyde said. ” It’s essential for them to feel that their voices really matter in shaping the policies that impact them.”

Hyde emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating: ” We measure the success of the forum not just by attendance but by the quality of interactions. When we see young people laughing and smiling, we know we’re making a difference.”

She noted that youth invovled in the commission have gone on to develop leadership skills, including one becoming a student body president at her college. “These experiences are transformative, ” Hyde said.

Youth raised a variety of issues—from drug abuse and teen employment to youth homelessness and college scholarships. Several attendees voiced concerns about the availability of healthy, affordable activities in Kitsap, leading Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler to highlight upcoming initiatives.

“One of the things I heard is we need more free, fun things to do,” Wheeler said, pointing to the creation of Quincy Square, a new arts and community space that will offer free events and opportunities for youth.

County Commissioner Katie Walters added that she hopes to bring youth engagement to the forefront during upcoming events like the Soccer World Cup in 2026, with Kitsap potentially serving as a fan zone.

Youth homelessness emerged as one of the most pressing concerns, with policymakers outlining efforts to address the issue. Wheeler explained that organizations like Coffee Oasis and Kitsap Strong are already working to stabilize housing for at-risk youth, while other officials stressed the importance of addressing mental health challenges.

Bremerton schoolboard member Karen Bolton emphasized: “Before we talk about homelessness, we have to address the why. In Bremerton, it’s about mental health, and that’s why we’re focusing on it as early as kindergarten.”

The forum also touched on the barriers teens face when seeking employment. State Rep. Greg Nance of Bainbridge Island stressed that “every child that wants to work or support their family should be able to,” while Walters encouraged students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Tara Simmons, another state representative, spoke to the importance of breaking down barriers for families trying to access financial aid for education. “I would like to see a reduction in barriers around FAFSA. There were so many when I was trying to help my child,” she said.

One of the more surprising issues raised by students was a desire for clarity and simplicity in local parking policies. Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese encourages students to stay engaged. ”If there’s a specific issue, I encourage you to email me, tell me where it is, and send a picture, and we will get on it,” he said. He acknowledged that “we do need accountability in regulating parking,” reinforcing his commitment to to community-level problem-solving.

Throughout the event, policymakers made it clear that they weren’t just listening—they were committed to taking action. Their responses were positive, detailed and engaged, reassuring the youth that their voices truly mattered.

Bolton reminded students, “Being able to serve the people in my community is what drives me to do this work.”