CHICAGO — Communities that received higher levels of public investment in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs experienced more services, greater program participation, and the greatest improvements in public safety, according to a new 2025 impact report released by the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC).

The analysis, conducted by Northwestern University’s Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science (CORNERS), highlights the positive association between coordinated public investment and improved community outcomes in Chicago.

CVI is an evidence-based approach to reducing violence, using strategies such as street outreach, case management, and social services to support individuals at high risk of being involved in firearm incidents, either as victims or perpetrators.

The report analyzes funding data from all GASC agencies, program information reported by alliance-funded CVI initiatives, and public data on shooting incidents in the city of Chicago. The analysis yielded three main findings:

• Key Finding 1: Service delivery levels and participation in Community Violence Initiatives (CVI) programs increased as public investment grew.
• Key Finding 2: Public investment in CVI is directed toward communities with the highest levels of violence.
• Key Finding 3: Chicago community areas with the highest average public investment in CVI showed the greatest improvements in public safety.

“2025 marked a historic milestone for the City of Chicago, with violent crime at its lowest level in 60 years. This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication, strategic coordination, and strong partnerships among city agencies, community organizations, and residents working together to make our neighborhoods safer,” said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “GASC’s sustained investment and collaboration with local CVI groups have proven highly effective, addressing critical areas and community needs while preventing violent incidents before they occur. The progress detailed in this report confirms that the community-centered approach is yielding significant results.”

Lanetta Haynes Turner, chief of staff to Cook County Board Chair Toni Preckwinkle, noted that the report confirms that public sector investments are reaching the right people and contributing to safer communities. She added that GASC has developed a model of cross-sector collaboration and strategic investment that serves as a benchmark for addressing complex challenges.

Since 2022, GASC agencies have collectively awarded $248 million in CVI funding. More than 27,000 people have been served through these programs. Targeted public investment is part of a collaborative effort between local government, the philanthropic sector, and the business community to expand and sustain funding for long-term community safety in Chicago.

Quiwana Bell, Assistant Secretary for Gun Violence Prevention at the Illinois Department of Human Services, noted that the state continues to lead the nation in developing and implementing comprehensive community safety investments that generate significant local change.

Delrice Adams, Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, emphasized that the report reinforces the value of community-based violence prevention initiatives. Despite changes in the federal environment, Illinois remains committed to investing in communities impacted by violence and poverty, aiming to replace generational trauma with sustained resources that strengthen neighborhoods.

GASC is comprised of key leaders and representatives from funding agencies in the state of Illinois, Cook County, and the city of Chicago. It was created in 2021 to respond in a coordinated manner to the gun violence crisis and maximize the impact of federal COVID-19 relief funds allocated to community safety. Currently, the alliance focuses on optimizing the use of local resources, streamlining grant processes, and improving support for community organizations.

CORNERS acts as an independent evaluator for GASC. The alliance between the two entities, established in 2022, seeks to document and evaluate the collaborative process between government agencies and measure the impact of public investments in local communities.

Andrew Papachristos, academic director of CORNERS, stated that as local community safety infrastructure continues to expand, understanding the impact of investment is critical.

Read article in Spanish / Leer artículo en español: https://elchicagohispano.com/inversiones-publicas-en-intervencion-contra-la-violencia-comunitaria-contribuyeron-a-mejoras-en-la-seguridad-publica/