Mayor Jim Kenney discusses core priorities for Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Jim Kenney laid out his plan for tackling the city's gun violence crisis during a news conference Wednesday. The mayor's plan involves reaching back into the community for support.
It comes as the city records more than 1,500 homicides during Kenney's second term.
Kenney said the main goals for the year are enhancing public safety, improving neighborhoods, investing in young residents and driving economic growth. The goals are detailed in a report called "Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward."
CBS Philadelphia spoke with an activist who works closely with teens most affected.
Over the past eight years, the founder of NoMo Rickey Duncan has been committed to combating gun violence in Philadelphia. His organization New Options More Opportunities give young people a safe place to turn.
"Same way it takes a village to raise a child, it's going to take a city to stop this crime," Duncan said.
Duncan believes more funding and support for grassroots groups focused on prevention is a huge part of the solution.
"We really have to get in these communities and work with these men boots on the ground," Duncan said. "We can't arrest ourselves out of the situation."
"We still have a lot to work on and I know that gun violence has taken a hold over our city," Kenney said.
The city dedicated $340 million to address the crisis this fiscal year.
More money will support state and federal agencies to assist with homicide prevention, investigations and prosecutions.
"Philadelphia is a city worth fighting for," Kenney said.
A fight that'll take more manpower than the city currently has available. Recruitment remains one of the biggest challenges.
However, Kenney and commissioner outlaw say the academy will graduate four classes this year adding 150 new officers to the ranks.
