Toledo City Council applauded the city’s youth program initiatives and pledged Monday to continue funding programs regardless of what the city has planned.

At a meeting of council’s parks, education, recreation, and health committee, members heard from the city’s Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services department about engagement programs and activities for kids and teens.

Council President Vanice Williams said youth program funding is typically first on the chopping block when it comes to budget cuts, and while the city hasn’t unveiled the 2026 proposed budget yet, both Ms. Williams and Councilman Cerssandra McPherson said they want at least $1 million to be allocated for youth programs.

“The youth program, we have to do a million,” Ms. McPherson said. “We have to do a million because we

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