JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of students gathered at City Hall for a mock city council session led by Councilmember Jimmy Peluso to introduce young people to the workings of local government.
This initiative was hosted in partnership with the Center for Children’s Rights and several local organizations.
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The focus was on pressing community issues, such as food deserts.
“This is the second year that Jimmy Peluso has stood behind the Youth Action Series and held a mock city council here at City Hall,” Temisha Hill said, who runs Unified Community Investors. “What it is, is bridging a strong relationship between the community and council.”
The session gave students a hands-on experience of the legislative process, showing how policy moves through committees and city council deliberations. They debated real-world issues, like the lack of access to fresh food in certain neighborhoods, and gained insight into the challenges of governance.
Peluso highlighted that the event was about more than just procedural knowledge—it was about fostering a sense of ownership among young people.
“City Hall is meant to be for everyone,” he said. “To be able to open it up on a Saturday and make sure that young people—who maybe haven’t lived here for more than 50, 60, or 70 years, but whose families probably have—get to come in and see what a real city council meeting looks like, with their tax dollars at work, is important.”
Students actively engaged in civic learning, with some even stepping into the role of council members. Peluso, along with Councilmembers Rahman Johnson and Raul Arias, guided them through debates and mock legislative negotiations. They sometimes role-played different viewpoints to illustrate the complexities of governance.
“We’re going to see if we can solve a problem, or we’re going to show some real roadblocks—why we still have the food deserts that we have. I mean, we’re not messing around. This is serious stuff,” Peluso explained.
Peluso noted that Brooks Dame, his Executive Council Assistant was integral in organizing and running this session.
Brittany Norris, the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs from the Mayor’s office, was also supportive and involved in the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration between different government branches.
For Hill, the session was about more than just civic education—it was about empowerment. “One, that the process is something everyone can participate in. Two, that city council representatives are humans that occupy those seats, and they can also do the same. And three, this is not a place to be afraid of,” she emphasized.
The event was supported by organizations including the State of the Young People, Preachers in Action, Success Gardening, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, and The Performers Academy.
Looking ahead, Peluso expressed openness to expanding the initiative. “Once a year, given the current capacity that we have, is probably fine. But if other groups want to take the reins, I’d be fine with that. Any opportunity that connects residents to government and change in their communities—I’m all for it.”
The experience left a lasting impression on the students who participated in it.
“The vibe when I came in here was very exciting and very inviting. I felt like when I came in here, I’d be able to understand and communicate with the council members,” an attendee said.
