Actions by Federal Government Threaten Cities’ Progress in Addressing Root Causes of Violence

Washington, D.C. – As police officers from across the country gather this week in the nation’s capital for National Police Week, America’s mayors are calling on Congress to oppose any actions that would threaten the great progress mayors and police departments – working together in their communities – have made in addressing the root causes of violence.

The mayors’ statement comes as the Trump administration continues to jeopardize public safety in America’s cities by terminating federal grants that support crime prevention efforts and Congress considers legislation that would strip billions of dollars in federal funding for essential services that safeguard the safety of all city residents and significantly undermine local authority.

Additionally, late last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors sent a letter to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, raising concerns about how potential cuts to Medicaid could jeopardize public safety.

“The strong support mayors across the nation have for their police officers is a testament to the vital role these leaders play in ensuring public safety, often at great personal risk,” said USCM President Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther. “Our partnerships with our cities’ police chiefs have been instrumental in achieving significant reductions in violent crime that our cities have experienced in recent years. Any policies from Congress or the Trump administration that undermine this collaboration would be a step backward, jeopardizing the progress we’ve made in making our communities safer for all residents.”

In recent years, mayors have worked hard to support their police departments and undertake effective policing strategies to keep their communities safe. As a result, homicides and other violent crimes are down nationwide. According to a Violent Crime survey of 68 cities released May 6, 2025 by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, homicides were down 20% during the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Rape was also down 14%, robbery 20% and aggravated assault 11%.