Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety (MOCS), announced the launch of the "Take Back the Block" initiative today. This program aims to foster community engagement, reduce violent crime, and demonstrate the City's commitment to community safety and development.

In response to recent incidents of gun violence, Mayor Johnson has called for a unified governmental approach to support impacted communities. The inaugural activation was held on the Near West Side, the site of a recent mass shooting, and will continue on Fridays throughout the summer.

“As we move into the summer months, it is imperative that our communities feel the City’s steadfast commitment to safety and collaborative solutions,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Keeping communities safe is not a burden that can be carried by any of us alone. Our ‘Take Back the Block’ initiative is an opportunity for the full force of government to stand with the community for an all-hands-on-deck approach to building a safer Chicago, block by block.”

"Take Back the Block" activations are designed to energize residents, create prosocial opportunities, connect communities with local government, and provide infrastructure improvements. The engagements are planned for July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2 and August 30 in blocks experiencing high levels of violence.

"We need to 'Take Back the Block' to embody our commitment to safety and proactive community engagement," said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. "We are focusing on creating tangible, positive changes in our neighborhoods by working directly with residents, community organizations, faith leaders and the entire Johnson administration."

The initiative will highlight City programs aimed at reducing violence such as Peacekeepers and youth activities while investing in mental health through organizations like Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development (BUILD). It will also spotlight initiatives for victims and survivors like the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) and Hospital Based Violence Prevention (HBVP) RFP funded by $3 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through Mayor Johnson’s ARPA Road to Recovery Plan.

Today’s launch follows a week-long focus on community safety. On Monday, Mayor Johnson joined Chicago Police Department Superintendent Snelling at a press conference addressing recent violence. On Tuesday he launched Cycle Breakers with Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) providing mentorship and mental health support for youth. An Emergency Assistance Center was also established on Tuesday on Near West Side for victims of recent violent incidents.

On Wednesday business leaders announced $100 million in philanthropic funding for community violence intervention alongside Mayor Johnson. Thursday saw an expansion of One Summer Chicago program offering over 27,000 jobs reinforcing city safety strategy. Additionally CPD honored Officer Vasquez Lasso who was killed last year.

"Today marks beginning concerted effort reclaim streets until every resident feels secure," said Mayor Johnson. “This initiative brings together various city departments along with community-based organizations united mission end violence."

The administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment prioritizing community safety every week ahead.