BOSTON (
MyFoxBoston.com) – The U.S. Conference of Mayors has named Boston one of the most livable cities in the country.
The first place award was announced in San Francisco and recognizes mayoral leadership in programs that help improve the quality of the city.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the City of Boston," Mayor Marty Walsh said. "We're involving our youngest and brightest residents in local government, and empowering them to make positive changes in their neighborhoods.”
Boston was recognized for the “Youth Lead the Change Program” which outs young people between the ages of 12 and 25 in charge of $1 million of the city's budget.
“I am proud we were able to challenge young people to think critically about how to spend taxpayer dollars in a way that better serves the people. This fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability; and they walk away knowing their voices matter,” Walsh said.
Over 1,550 youth participated in the 2014 program, and seven projects were funded, including park renovations, art wall construction, sidewalk improvements, and a skate park feasibility study.
"This is a process designed by and for young people,” Shari Davis, Director of the City's Department of Youth Engagement and Employment, said. “One big piece of Youth Lead the Change's success is creating real opportunities for youth participation. We were able to do that by meeting young people where they are, building relationships, and allowing them to be the experts that we know they are in spaces where they are safe and comfortable."
