2023 = A New Kid Mayor and Council Cohort

Mayor Kapszukiewicz and members of Toledo City Council gathered on the 22nd floor of One Government Center to launch the one-year term of the City’s 2023 Kid Mayor and Kid Council Members on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. Special guests were Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/ Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, and Dr. Kadee Anstadt, Superintendent, Washington Local Schools.

“The future of Toledo is very bright. They think so deeply about how they want to change Toledo, how they want to change their community and make the city a brighter and safer place,” Dr. Kadee Anstadt, Washington Local Superintendent said.

“They are more than school leaders. They are now working to be city and community leaders. It’s a great opportunity for these kids to really take a step into politics in regards to understanding how to go after their goals,” Dr. Romules Durant, Toledo Public Schools Superintendent said.

“I am happy to serve as Kid Mayor for 2023 and lead my city toward a positive light. My fellow Kid Council Members and I are dedicated to working with Mayor Kapszukiewicz to spread love, peace, and to reduce violence throughout the city of Toledo.” Kid Mayor Gabrielle Mukiira said.

“These kids are amazing. They are so optimistic and full of hope,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “They have a love and passion for the outside world that is just so energizing. You come away from them feeling really good about the future. I am so happy to learn from them, work with them, and be energized by them.”

Upon arrival, Kid Mayor Gabrielle Mukiira and the Kid Council Members received their official government ID badges, T-shirts, and binders. They attended their first council meeting and learned the basics about the City of Toledo’s operations over dinner.

Every quarter for the remainder of the year, the kids will learn how their water is cleaned at the water treatment plant, how to report concerns by visiting the Engage Toledo call center; and engage in safety procedures with the Toledo Police and Toledo Fire & Rescue. They will also have the opportunity to visit community partners like the Mud Hens.

This year, hundreds of fourth graders from Toledo Public and Washington Local Schools applied to be a member of the Kid Council. The top 13 candidates were selected by their schools and then interviewed by a panel of community leaders who then chose the next Kid Mayor.

This program is being presented in partnership with Toledo Public and Washington Local Schools, the City of Toledo, and the Youth Empowerment and Engagement Committee of the Human Relations Commission.