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Calling on the leadership of the City of Philadelphia, as well as state and federal partners to develop an anti-crime and anti-gun violence summit that will create a forward-focused solution-oriented game plan for the 100th Mayor’s consideration.
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WHEREAS, Over the past several years, Philadelphia has been plagued by senseless gun violence. City officials can no longer point towards the problem. It is time to point towards the solution. This summit will bring the major players into a room behind closed doors to empower our leaders to take bold steps forward for a brighter future; and
WHEREAS, It is likely that the solutions to solve the gun violence crisis already exist in Philadelphia. However, solving gun violence is not a one size fits all approach. We need solutions from multiple levels and branches of government; and
WHEREAS, City Council is not the only entity that can make change. Boots on the ground crisis intervention groups like The Civic Coalition to Save Lives, The United States Congress, The PA General Assembly, The Shapiro Administration, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Prisons, The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, The School District of Philadelphia, The Department of Public Health, hospitals, mental health advocates, faith-based organizations, and the private sector, must be included to make change; and
WHEREAS, Government cannot spend or arrest its way out of this crisis, coordination and cooperation are key. Proposals like the Chief Public Safety Director, neighborhood resource centers, and conflict resolution training are all valuable tools. But Philadelphians deserves more; and
WHEREAS, According to data from the Philadelphia City Controller, in 2022, there were 516 homicides and 1,789 non-fatal shootings. As of June 20, 2023, there has been 191 homicides and 667 non-fatal shootings. Due to the fact there has been a 20% decrease in homicides between 2022 and 2023, we must analyze what is working and what is not working to address crime; and
WHEREAS, This Council must come together and hold an anti-crime and anti-gun violence summit to have the tough conversations to develop solutions that will address the gun violence crisis in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby calls on the leadership of the City of Philadelphia, as well as state and federal partners to develop an anti-crime and anti-gun violence summit that will create a forward-focused solution-oriented game plan for the 100th Mayor’s consideration.
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