Photo credit – Cait Crudden
The Next Generation Advisory Council, a dynamic group of Millennials and Gen-Z advocates and leaders, held its first meeting of the year this past week, setting the stage for a series of discussions aimed at addressing the issues that matter most to younger generations on Long Island.
The council, comprised of individuals passionate about making meaningful changes in their communities, convened to strategize and plan for the year ahead, with a strong focus on engaging elected officials and community leaders in their efforts.
The meeting covered a range of critical topics that are particularly relevant to millennials and Gen-Z residents. Among the key issues discussed were affordable housing, the rising cost of living, taxes, environmental concerns, and the challenge of making Long Island a place where young people can afford to live and thrive. The council also highlighted the importance of increasing voter participation, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon.
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the appointment of Sarah Zepeda (pictured above) as the new Chairwoman of the Next Generation Advisory Council. Zepeda, who serves as a legislative aide for Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ensuring that younger voices are heard in the corridors of power. She succeeds Ali Nazir in this role who will assist in any way to ensure the continued success of the Next Generation Advisory Council.
“I’m excited to give the younger generation a voice in government. I hope to provide a space for everyone to feel comfortable to voice their concerns and advocate for their beliefs,” said Zepeda.
Zepeda’s leadership was met with enthusiasm by council members, who praised her dedication to advocating for younger generations and her ability to connect with both peers and elected officials.
One of the most pressing issues discussed during the meeting was the affordability crisis on Long Island. Council members expressed deep concern about the lack of affordable housing options and the overall high cost of living, which they believe are driving young people away from the region. The council plans to focus on advocating for policies that address these issues, including potential zoning reforms and incentives for affordable housing development.
A participant of the event, Sonny Bathija, remarked, “I would love to know how many more resources we have so us as entrepreneurs can contribute to affordable housing to communities in need of them and gain the insight of younger generations expectations”.
A member of the next generation meeting, Anthony Cacciato stated, “It’s a step in the right direction of Suffolk County to include younger people in critical issues like housing and cost of living. A lot of young people have left Suffolk County and it’s critical that our elected officials are receptive to the ideas of those who want to stay here while making decisions that will impact their future”.
Another key topic was the importance of getting younger generations more involved in the political process. With the upcoming elections, the council wants to increase voter turnout among millennials and Gen Z, this is an issue that will continue to be discussed at the next meeting.
The meeting concluded with plans for the council’s next gathering, scheduled for October 8 at The Spotlight in Huntington. The Next Generation Advisory Council is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Long Island, ensuring that the voices of younger residents are not only heard but acted upon in the halls of government.
