Donald Hughes challenged the city to move beyond discussing youth violence and invest in rec center modernization, youth training centers, and housing instead of relying on policing alone.
Donald Hughes challenged city council to invest $1.2 million in rec center modernization, youth training centers, and housing rather than rely solely on policing to address youth violence.
Police Department reported violent crime dropped 16.9 percent in 2025 with homicides down to nine year-to-date in 2026, but Mayor Williams warned improvements could stall without additional funding.
Participatory budgeting cycle 4 delivered $2.65 million in community-selected projects with over 16,000 residents voting, the highest participation rate nationally outside New York.