Originally posted in The Rawlings-Blake Review, Issue #199

I am very concerned about the recent incidents of violence in Baltimore City. As of this week, we have had 9 young people under the age of 20 killed this year. Last year, we had only 4 youth homicides. This serves as a reminder that while we have made solid progress recently in our fight against crime, there is still much more work to do.

On Wednesday, at the request of my administration, the Board of Estimates took some very concrete steps to keep moving our city forward in the crime fight. More than $2 million was approved to strengthen our police enforcement zones, support Operation Ceasefire, and develop a new youth connection center by this summer.

During my State of the City address, I was very clear about my vision and passion to make Baltimore City a safer place to live. This package of initiatives passed by the BOE represents a down payment on the commitments I made to do everything within my power to reduce crime in Baltimore City.

Additionally, I have decided to add one more stop on my Public Safety Forum tour—this time focused specifically on youth violence. I want to speak with Baltimore’s kids and young adults, to engage directly with them, hear their concerns regarding crime in Baltimore, and listen to their ideas for resolution. This city-wide forum will take place at City Hall on May 13, 6:00 pm.

We will continue working with Baltimore’s residents on this issue and other matters of public safety at the next two stops on our Public Safety Forum tour: the Northwestern and Southwestern police districts (details listed below). I hope you will join us and spread the word. Reducing homicide and violent crime is my top priority. My administration will continue to pursue all options when it comes to making Baltimore a safer city.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor’s Office and be a part of the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.