Community leaders urged a one-cent tax increase generating $4.3 million to fund youth opportunities as the city grapples with 39 homicides in 2024, with 82 percent of shooting victims Black males.
Community leaders urged a one-cent tax increase generating $4.3 million to fund youth opportunities, citing 39 homicides in 2024 with 82 percent of shooting victims being Black males.
Police reported 981 firearms seized in 2024, with guns stolen from vehicles jumping 29 percent year-over-year, prompting council debate over criminalizing irresponsible storage versus offering free gun safes.
Council Members Freeman and Cabier stressed legal representation must be required in the eviction diversion RFP, calling it the last line of defense for keeping people housed.