Richmond Mayor Danny Avula addresses a recent surge in gun violence, acknowledging its emotional toll on residents while noting year-to-date crime data show slight improvements. He emphasizes the importance of context, stating that even one life lost to violence is too many, particularly in the city’s Black community, which is disproportionately affected.
To combat the issue, Avula reveals plans to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the mayor’s office, aimed at coordinating efforts currently scattered across city agencies and nonprofits. This new office will focus on high-risk individuals and implement data-driven strategies, with initial funding allocated for a dedicated staff position to streamline efforts and enhance collaboration in violence prevention.
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