València Youth Council Demands Greater Voice for Young People in the City

The presidency of the València Youth Council emphasizes the need to include the youth perspective in municipal decisions, especially regarding housing and transport.

Generic image of young hands interacting with a smartphone in an urban setting.
IA

Generic image of young hands interacting with a smartphone in an urban setting.

The presidency of the Consell de la Joventut de València (CJV) has highlighted the main challenges faced by young people in the city, such as access to housing and mental health, and has called for greater representation in municipal decision-making bodies.

Since last September, the presidency of the CJV, an entity that brings together more than 40 youth groups in the Cap i Casal, has emphasized the importance of youth participation. Among their priorities are the difficulties of emancipation, mental health, traditional political disconnection, and the sustainability of public transport.
Regarding housing, the CJV proposes measures such as limiting rental prices and urgent control of tourist apartments, which they consider a major problem for young people seeking housing in their own neighborhoods. They have also requested parliamentary groups to reserve specific housing for young people within the public housing stock and to reinstate the Empuju programs for first employment.

"Youth policies cannot be made without listening to young people. This means being present in committees, because no one better than a young person can explain how young people live their daily lives in the city."

the presidency of the Consell de la Joventut de València
Concerning mental health, the CJV observes a lack of awareness of existing resources and deems a municipal youth center necessary to offer a safe space with psychological services. For public transport, the main demand is for free and quality service, calling for the return of free transport for those under 30 years old.
The Consell de la Joventut de València continues its fight to secure a place on the València Social Council, a key body where city problems are debated and decisions are made. This demand, which was also a claim of the previous presidency, has been conveyed to the City Council, with the support of most municipal groups.