This document presents the results of the first phase of the NextGenC project, which focuses on analyzing youth participation and the role of technology in the governance of intermediate cities in Colombia. During the initial stage, the research involved mapping youth participation in these cities to identify organizations, groups, collectives, and local leadership in each territory. Based on this mapping, NextGenC designed and implemented a qualitative methodology that included semi-structured interviews and participant observation of youth actors in Cartagena who are engaged in local participation processes. Young local researchers conducted these activities, fostering closer engagement and enhancing the data collection from the communities that were interviewed.