Soldotna opens a student seat on its Planning and Zoning Commission

Soldotna is taking applications for a new student seat on its Planning and Zoning Commission, open to high school juniors and seniors, college students and students in trade and apprenticeship programs.

The city's economic development and planning director, Linda Mitchell, worked on the policy. Since she came to Alaska, she told the commission Sept. 2, college students have reached out wanting to sit in and see how local government works. "So I made it very broad," she said.

Mitchell said she got into the field through a college internship she hadn't planned on, "and now I love it." "If they have the opportunity to be exposed to it, whether they're in college or in high school, I really want to open that door for them," she said.

The student can join the commission's discussions and cast an advisory vote on every motion. The vote goes in the official minutes but doesn't count toward whether an item passes. The student can't make or second motions, and is expected to attend the commission's meetings, held at 5:30 pm on the first Wednesday of each month, and read the packets beforehand.

Applicants must live in Soldotna or in the school district attendance area for schools inside city limits. College students must be enrolled at least half time. Applications need proof of enrollment and one reference letter.

The mayor nominates a student representative and an alternate, and the City Council confirms them, under the policy the council approved Sept. 9. Terms last a year, and a representative can reapply for one more consecutive term.

The city hasn't posted a deadline. The application is at soldotna.org/vacancy.