Milwaukee's efforts to stem violence and promote community wellness are poised for new leadership as Ashanti Hamilton steps down from his role as the director of the Office of Community Wellness and Safety. In a statement released yesterday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson highlighted Hamilton's contributions to the city, underscoring a near forty-percent decline in homicides. "I appreciate the significant contributions Ashanti has made to city government, both in his current position and in his previous roles as an Alderman and as Milwaukee Common Council President," Mayor Johnson told Urban Milwaukee.
Hamilton, whose last day is set for Jan. 21, remarked on the pressures of the role, having accepted a private sector position still within the scope of violence intervention and community engagement. "There's a lot of pressure for this position," Hamilton told CBS 58 in an interview, with respect to the office's work, particularly in reducing the violence in Milwaukee. Mayor Johnson lamented the impending departure, noting that Hamilton's leadership has been crucial in the city's battle against crime and violence.
The Office of Community Wellness and Safety, created in 2008 and housed within the city's Health Department, has been key in violence prevention and intervention strategies. Alongside notable reductions in crime, Mayor Johnson commended Hamilton for his outreach work, citing his role in building community relationships and re-establishing the office's presence. "I think he's done a remarkable job coming up with new programs and reaching out to people in the community," Johnson stated in his interview with CBS 58.
Despite the achievements under Hamilton's nearly two-and-a-half-year tenure, the city continues to grapple with persistent challenges such as carjackings and youth violence. Hamilton was not always visible after major incidents, which reinforced his emphasis on much of the office's work being conducted out of the public eye. "You don't see violence interrupters actually going into basements of actual shooters and being able to talk them down from retaliating," Hamilton shared with CBS 58. Mayor Johnson has not yet announced Hamilton's successor, ensuring the next leader will continue proactive public outreach as a core principle of their appointment.
While Mayor Johnson did not provide specifics on who would next hold the director position, he expressed the expectation for a strong commitment towards maintaining and building trust within the community. Hamilton's forthcoming role in the private sector remains undisclosed, yet he looks forward to expanding his efforts in reducing violence across cities. "It's a very difficult thing to do, is to walk away from something that you love," Hamilton told CBS 58.
