In 1991, the Districts of Matsqui and Abbotsford established a Youth Commission to ensure that concerns respecting youth in the community would be heard. The goal was to actively identify and promote avenues by which resources in the community could best address youth issues. In 1996, the Abbotsford Youth Commission became a non-profit society. The AYC receives core funding from the City of Abbotsford, collects fees for Life Skills Courses and receives grants and donations to operate free programs and services.

The Abbotsford Youth Commission exists to identify, promote, improve, increase and provide services and programs for youth in Abbotsford.