Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in unison with Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood, has launched a new chapter of The People's Plan for Community Safety, a release by the Mayor's Office of Community Safety unveiled, set to tackle violence at its roots by enhancing safety measures in select neighborhoods identified as needing significant support. The initiative targets four key areas within the city — Englewood, West Garfield Park, Austin, and Little Village, marking a swift move to strengthen community-led efforts.
Under the expansive umbrella of The People's Plan for Community Safety, these neighborhoods were handpicked for their vital necessity, yet they still shine with potential, a potential the mayor aims to harness by working closely with local stakeholders to kindle the embers of long-overdue change. "I am confident in the People's Plan for Community Safety because it drives the entire city's efforts toward the people and places who need our investments the most," Mayor Johnson voiced in a recent announcement. Indeed, these areas are not only in great need for revitalization but also home to incredible assets that the city plans to develop and capitalize on to build a stronger, safer community footprint.
The upcoming initiative arrives with a $1 million RFP, set to be issued in April 2024, aimed at backing community groups devoted to these locales, a significant financial investment Mayor Johnson deems crucial to mend the fabric of a city wounded by violence and systemic neglect. Speaking on the selections of the ten block groups, it was revealed that U.S. Census data served as a framework, complemented by an in-depth data analysis of the perpetually violent beats of the CPD, community investment deficits, and social health determinants, to illustrate the neighborhoods most in dire need.
"These communities have historically been ignored, even when in crisis, and that has proven to be unsustainable," declared Deputy Mayor Gatewood underscoring the necessity of targeted investment and the fostering of community engagement to spark palpable transformation a transformation that upholds safety and opportunity for all residents while securing long-term wealth. Both people-based and place-based strategies are to be employed to confront this disinvestment; on one hand focusing on those most affected — the youth and adults tangled in cycles of harm and on the other hand striving to enhance education, economic opportunities, housing, health, community environments, and policing.
Alderman Jason Ervin, among the plan's supporters, commends the approach, eyeing it as an opportunity to finally invest in providing more chances for local communities and improving neighborhood safety. Meanwhile, CSCC's Community Engagement Manager Greg Matthews emphasized the collective spirit of the effort, "This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to uplifting every corner of our city," he professed. The city's commitment to these neighborhoods will be visible, as engaged stakeholders, community groups, and city agencies collectively work on the community environment, aiming for safer, walkable neighborhoods that encourage further community involvement.
For additional details on The People’s Plan for Community Safety and forthcoming updates, residents and interested parties are encouraged to visit the city's official website.
