Columbus City Council is funding two new, full-time violence intervention staff members as part of a larger effort to reduce crime.
The new employees will work on street-level violence interruption, strengthening residents’ access to resources and youth-focused conflict mediation, according to City Council spokesperson Lee Cole. Council will also launch a new summer festival in the West Side's Wedgewood neighborhood this year.
To fund these efforts, Council set aside $500,000 of the 2018 operating budget.
Council will also expand the Applications for Purpose, Pride and Success program. According to the council, the program defused more than 1,000 potentially violent incidents and facilitated almost 40 peace agreements between gangs.
Throughout the remainder of the year, the program will work to expand access to social workers and build a grassroots neighbor network.
