Dear Neighbors,

I am excited to share that the applications for the 2025-2026 Mayor's Youth Council have been opened! Any student entering the 11th or 12th grade who resides in the City of Olive Branch is eligible.

What to Expect

This council meets twice a month from September through April and allows students to learn more about the City, its operations, and the overall civic process. This program allows students to really see the different careers that are needed within our Municipality in a hands-on way. Council is allowed to tour City buildings, participate in a mock trial, and even learn more about how to be involved in government at the local level. They also have the opportunity to travel to a Statewide Municipal Conference to meet with other fellow Youth Councils from all across Mississippi. 

Community Service

Council members also complete several service projects and can earn up to 30 hours of community service.  They have completed projects such as litter pick ups, helping out at Community Events, and helped with supply drives for different organizations. 

How to Apply

To apply, students must fill out and return a complete application with two letters of recommendation. We ask that all participants be: 

• Olive Branch Residents 
• Incoming students of 11th-12th grade 
• GPA of 3.0 or better 
• 80% + school attendance
• Able to attend at least 80% of all sessions
• Able to attend the MML Youth Summit in late February/March
• Pay $75 Tuition upon acceptance. If accepted, tuition will be due no later than September 5th. 

The Application period will close August 15th. Those selected will be notified no later than August 22nd. Capacity for this council is currently set at 30 participants. You can find an application in the lobby of City Hall or online at www.obms.us/Youthcouncil.

I look forward to seeing what Mayor's Youth Council accomplishes over the next year!

Thank you for reading the latest edition of our City's newsletter, From The Mayor’s Desk.  I hope to see you at an upcoming community event and encourage you to visit City Hall and attend Board of Aldermen meetings to be heard and stay connected.

 Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Mayor. If you have a special interest topic you would like to see covered in a future From The Mayor's Desk publication or questions about a certain topic, please send an email to info@obms.us. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.  

Sincerely, 

Kenneth (Ken) R. Adams

Mayor of the City of Olive Branch