The Mayor's Task Force on Youth, now known as the Grand Island Community Youth Council (CYC), was established in September 1995 to address growing community concerns relative to youth in general, and the growing incidence of juvenile violence.

Two town hall community meetings were held in the fall of 1995, at which time over 250 interested people provided input on issues facing the youth and families of Grand Island. Mayor Ken Gnadt immediately formed a Task Force to further review the issues brought forth, and to devise ways to address the concerns. The Task Force was diverse, comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies, business and private sector, law enforcement, local government, educational institutions, adolescent service providers, minority populations and , most importantly, youth.

The issue statements were presented to the local governing body in early 1996. The task Force was then given the charge to continue to work on the project and to develop action plans, which would address the issues raised. The original Task Force was renamed the Community Youth Council (CYC), and was awarded a development grant from the State of Nebraska Family Preservation and Support funds. Since this initial grant CYC has received an annual grant from the Nebraska Children Families Foundation until 2008.