Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye recently hosted NextGen PWC, a first-of-its-kind youth-centered community event at IKEA Woodbridge. More than 30 young people came together with Supervisor Boddye, CXO Chris Shorter, and representatives from county agencies and nonprofit partners for an evening of honest conversation, friendly competition, and real dialogue about the future of Prince William County.
Boddye noted that young people ages 15 to 24 make up a significant share of Prince William’s population. At the same time, the county is experiencing out-migration among residents aged 24-40.
“This is when we would expect to see the people who grew up in Prince William planting even deeper roots here. Starting careers and families, moving into their own place. Instead, too many are choosing to start this next life stage somewhere else. It is important to ask: ‘Why?’” said Boddye.
He added that these younger voices are too often absent from the rooms where decisions are made, and that inviting them is a critical step in encouraging these residents to remain in the community long term.
Discussing Everyday Realities
The evening opened with small-group discussions based on three questions: what participants love about Prince William County, what they’d change, and whether they see themselves here in the next 3 to 5 years. Tables filled with conversation, and notes went up on oversized paper as young residents shared candid perspectives on their community.
The insights were clear: young people in the Occoquan District care deeply about walkability, diversity, affordability, parks, and spaces built for them.
“What these young people shared, their worries, hopes, and ideas, are the everyday realities the next generation is already navigating,” said Supervisor Boddye. “I will be carrying these priorities into policymaking and outreach initiatives in the months ahead.”
Knowledge & Connections
After the discussions, a competitive Kahoot quiz put local knowledge to the test, with prizes from IKEA as an added incentive. The questions ranged from recycling rules to zoning impacts to mental health services, a reminder of the many ways local government touches on daily life. Attendees learned that there is no age limit to speak at a Board meeting, that 77% of the county’s $1.98B budget goes to schools and community safety, and what is so special about “plastics 1&2.”
Representatives from OmniRide and the county’s departments of Parks & Recreation, Community Safety, and Libraries then took the floor to highlight services geared towards young residents. Volunteer Prince William, Communities for Youth, and ACTS were also on hand to offer pathways to community involvement.
As the event ended, Supervisor Boddye directed attention to the two piles of sticky notes on each table: One blue, one green. He asked the audience to use the blue notes to write one thing they learned that night, and, on a green sticky note, to share what they hoped the county learned.
“Our community is stronger when those most affected by its future have a say in shaping it,” Boddye said. “This is just the first of many conversations. I am committed to creating more opportunities to bring youth voices into local decision-making and community building.”
Keep the Momentum Going
Following the event, Supervisor Boddye shared resources for attendees to continue their involvement in Prince William County:
- Plug In: See our calendar of local events and programs
- Give Back: Search Volunteer PW to find volunteer opportunities by cause, location, and more — or add your own call for volunteers
- Speak Up: View and comment on PWC Board agendas and sign up for online public comment time to help shape local issues
- Sign Up: Get the new NextGen newsletter, local updates curated for teens and 20-somethings