Title
Authorizing the creation of a "Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention" to address Philadelphia's enduring plague of gun violence by facilitating coordination among stakeholders and formulating a comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy.
Body
WHEREAS, Gun violence is a longstanding and devastating problem in Philadelphia and throughout the nation. In 2024, as of October 14th, the city has seen 183 fatal shootings and 700 nonfatal shootings; and
WHEREAS, The cost of each hospitalization for a shooting incurs nearly a half-million dollars in direct costs and the cost of each murder is nearly six million dollars in negative economic impact; and
WHEREAS, Public safety is the foundation for all social goods, from health to education to community cohesion and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Since 2021 there has been a notable decrease in shooting deaths in Philadelphia, demonstrating the effectiveness of our collective efforts, advocacy, and the dedication of community stakeholders, including law enforcement, policymakers, and organizations working toward reducing gun violence; and
WHEREAS, To sustain this momentum, it is essential to continually evaluate and strengthen the resources, policies, and practices that have driven this progress, identifying best practices and making data-driven adjustments to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our communities; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia must continue to strengthen, enhance, and effectively implement a comprehensive strategy for the prevention of gun violence, building on current efforts to adapt and refine our approaches in response to evolving challenges; and
WHEREAS, Coordination and planning are proven to enhance cities' success in addressing core social problems, including gun violence and significant advances in gun violence prevention have resulted from sustained collaboration and strategic investment by stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, across sectors including law enforcem...
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