KANKAKEE – A delegation from Cities United traveled to Kankakee this week and participated in a community forum discussing local concerns about public safety in the region. 

“Our goal is simple: reducing violence in our community that takes far too many of our young lives,” Kankakee Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong said. “Cities across the nation have been successful working with Cities United in implementing solutions to address specific causes of violence in their communities.”

Cities United was founded in 2011 by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu in an effort to bring together cities to reduce homicides among young African-American men and boys in half by 2025.Working with communities, the organization identifies regional issues and develops comprehensive, innovative solutions to decrease violence. 

Upon Mayor Wells-Armstrong's advocacy efforts with Cities United, the organization selected the City of Kankakee in May to receive resources, training and assistance in implementing a public safety plan. The services provided to the City of Kankakee come at no expense to taxpayers. 

“In Kankakee, violence has been concentrated in communities of color that have systemic challenges that need to be addressed from a public health perspective,” Mayor Wells-Armstrong said. “Working with Cities United, it is my hope Kankakee will be the next success story in reducing crime and violence across our city.”

On Tuesday, a community forum was held at the Kankakee Public Library where delegates included former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.

“We are losing way too many of our young men to gun violence,” said Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United. “We want safe, healthy and hopeful neighborhoods. How do we work collectively to create better outcomes?” 

Cities United is currently composed of 92 mayors from across the nation, including the Illinois communities of Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, North Chicago, Springfield and University Park. 

For more information, please visit www.CitiesUnited.org or contact Mayor Wells-Armstrong’s office at (815) 933-0500.