Recognizing the Need for a Public Health Approach to Hyper-localized Community Gun Violence Interruption
Adopted at the in 2021
WHEREAS, cities across the country have expressed support for federal tools and resources to help address violent crimes and further local prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, there were 39,707 firearm-related deaths in the United States, equating to roughly 109 people dying daily from a firearm-related injury; and
WHEREAS, gun crime and violence rose drastically in 2020 with 75 percent of all murders involving guns; and
WHEREAS, an increase in violence has been seen over the past year and a half, with homicides rising 30 percent and gun assaults by 8 percent in large cities; and
WHEREAS, the number of homicides in the first quarter of 2021 was 24 percent higher than the number of homicides in the first quarter of 2020, and 49 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2019; and
WHEREAS, firearm homicide rates are highest among teens and young adults 15-34 years of age, and among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations; and
WHEREAS, Black and brown Americans are disproportionately harmed by the direct and indirect consequences of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, the effects of gun violence extend beyond victims and their families, as communities affected by gun violence face extended recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, research suggests that 80 percent of gun violence in the United States is caused by 1-2 percent of the population, and resources should be targeted to these individuals; and
WHEREAS, Washington, DC, for example, has identified 151 blocks with the highest levels of gun-related violence in the city. These 151 blocks represent just 2 percent of all blocks in the city, but equate to 41 percent of all gun-shot related crimes in the District; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of community violence intervention programs has been shown to reduce gun violence by as much as 60 percent; and
WHEREAS, a whole-of-government approach, similar to that used in the COVID-19 response, can be used to address the public health crisis of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, investments to help formerly incarcerated individuals find quality employment and manage their finances can aid in the transition out of the criminal justice system and prevent recidivism; and
WHEREAS, investments in youth employment programs, including summer job programs, can assist in reducing involvement in violent activities by as much as 45 percent; and
WHEREAS, safe housing and relocation assistance can help prevent gun violence; and
WHEREAS, the funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act can help USCM member jurisdictions jumpstart and expand local efforts to connect residents to mental health services, stable housing, good paying jobs, education, and other critical supports,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors expresses its full support of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to gun violence as an important and necessary step toward reducing violent crimes and attacking root causes of crime in cities experiencing spikes in violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to act to end the gun violence epidemic by enacting the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to gun crime and ensure public safety.