6 days ago
Minneapolis launches $3M pilot program aimed at violence prevention, community outreach
The Brief
The pilot program aims to prevent violence, connect residents with services, and address quality of life issues.
The initial phase includes 10 community safety ambassadors fanned out across south Minneapolis and will cost about $475,000.
The program runs through March 2026, but the city has the option to extend it for one or two years and expand it to other neighborhoods.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The city of Minneapolis launched a pilot program on Wednesday aimed at preventing violence, connecting residents with community services, and addressing quality of life concerns.
What we know
The pilot program launched on Wednesday as 10 community safety ambassadors spent the day walking around several blocks in south Minneapolis, hoping to prevent violence and foster relationships with residents.
The ambassadors differ from violence interrupters, who focus solely on violence. The initial phase will focus on the East Lake Street and East Franklin Avenue corridors.
How much will it cost
The city council approved $3 million for the pilot program. The initial phase focused on south Minneapolis will cost about $475,000.
What they're saying
"There's street-level activation that shows we actually care about our community, there's hospitality — you know, 'Where's the concert?' in the case of downtown, or on Lake Street it might be 'Where's the best taco place? Where's the library?' Things like that," explained Amanda Harrington, the Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Department director. "We're also going to find out do people feel safer by having this service in the community, so there'll be surveys. We'll ask people who have had interactions with the safety ambassadors to complete a survey."
What's next
City officials will review the program after six months and consider whether to expand it to other neighborhoods.
