Johnson signs order to create Chicago gun violence reduction office
Johnson signs order to create Chicago gun violence reduction office
Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order creating Chicago's new Office of Gun Violence Reduction, the first step toward a permanent city department. Here's what it means.
CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Thursday that begins the process of creating a permanent city department focused on reducing gun violence.
What we know:
The executive order creates the Office of Gun Violence Reduction inside the Mayor's Office. The new office will oversee violence prevention programs, help victims of violence and coordinate safety efforts across city government.
The order also lays the groundwork for a permanent Department of Gun Violence Reduction, which would still need City Council approval.
"From day one in office, my number one priority has been driving down violence and breaking the cycles of trauma and despair which have disrupted the lives of countless Chicagoans—with this executive order we are bringing together every tool at our disposal to save lives and build safer communities," Johnson said.
Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Emmanuel Andre will lead the new office.
For years, faith leaders, violence prevention groups and community organizations have called for a permanent department focused on reducing gun violence.
Right now, Chicago's violence prevention programs are spread across several city departments. The new office is meant to bring those programs together in one place.
The executive order also calls for:
- A five-year plan to reduce gun violence.
- Better coordination between city departments.
- Monthly reports tracking violence reduction efforts.
- Community Safety Priority Zones in neighborhoods most affected by gun violence.
- A 17-member advisory council made up of community leaders, violence prevention groups, faith leaders, mental health professionals and others. The council will hold community meetings and give feedback on the city's violence reduction efforts.
A separate proposal going before the City Council would permanently create the Department of Gun Violence Reduction.
That proposal would give the department a budget of more than $100 million. It would also require the department to receive at least 1.5% of the city's corporate budget.
The proposal also includes 15 community engagement specialists, a data analyst to track the illegal gun market and emergency relocation funding for victims whose lives are in danger.
Some alderpersons have questioned the cost because Chicago is facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion.
What they're saying:
"This executive order is an important step toward establishing a permanent department," said Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois.
"For years, we have advocated for an ordinance dedicated solely to reducing violence in Chicago through coordination, accountability, healing, and community investment. We applaud this action as a critical first step and will continue pushing for a formal ordinance that ensures this work endures beyond any single administration."
What's next:
The executive order took effect immediately after Johnson signed it Thursday.
The City Council is expected to consider the proposal to permanently create the department before its summer recess.
It is still unclear whether enough alderpersons will vote to approve the proposal.
The Source: The information in this story came from the Office of the Chicago Mayor.