We know first-hand the effect violent crime is having on our community. We have watched in the courtroom, the classroom and the community as young people head down a path that leads to one side or another of a tragic criminal equation. We have seen the devastating effect of violent crime on families, friends and neighbors. And we are deeply concerned not only about the individuals involved, but about the implications this trend has for our city's future.
The time has come for us to take action to prevent Jacksonville's story of hope, promise and surmounting the odds from becoming a tale of hopelessness, violence and economic stagnation. It is an enormous challenge, but the 
answer is the same one that has always brought us success: we must act together, and we must act now. We recognize that an enhanced law enforcement presence is a big part of the solution, but there must be more.
Accordingly, I'm asking you to join with me and others throughout the community in an effort to not just stem, but also to reverse the tide of violence that threatens our children, our families and our future. We will divide this effort among some of our city's best hearts and minds, enlist the help of others, and work to mobilize our entire city to do what needs to be done.
If, in the words of the old song, "peace begins with me," it's also true that reducing violent crime begins at home and in our neighborhoods. As a committee, you will help address unstable neighborhoods by directing needed funding to existing programs and connecting those who need them with those resources. Your goal: to make Jacksonville's homes, streets and communities safer for all.
Many of your directives are mid- to long-term solutions that require on-going work and funding. Look to the Funding Subcommittee to support your efforts. Though your results might not be realized tomorrow or even next year, it is the seed you plant today that will provide a safe place to live in years to come.
Establish partnerships to re-open closed community centers
Facilitate partnerships between closed community centers and neighborhood groups, houses of worship throughout the city (i.e. not only churches from the affected neighborhoods), businesses and foundations. Reopen and fully staff centers with programs that enrich students' lives through exposure to the arts, sports or other extra-curricular activities. Studies have shown young people are more likely to commit -- or become victims of -- violent crime between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Studies tell us that less than 20 percent of children who need after-school care actually get it. Set an aspirational goal to meet 100 percent of the need.
Make our schools safe havens
Demand that police, parents and other partners make our schools safe havens for our community and provide for the continuation of night time sporting events. We cannot concede this important fellowship opportunity and tradition to bad actors. Increase police presence and security measures in and around school properties to make this happen.
Host a crime seminar with Rev. Eugene Rivers
Announce and host a one-day seminar with Boston's Rev. Eugene Rivers and faith leaders in Jacksonville's highest crime areas. Rivers' National Ten Point Leadership Foundation works to assist African American churches with the vision, structure and resources to save at-risk, inner-city youth.
Establish crime-free multifamily housing
Enhance accountability for landlords by instituting additional licensing requirements for multifamily providers. Facilitate a zero-tolerance policy for guns and drugs and help tenants form traditional neighborhood associations. Facilitate the collaboration of property owners, managers, tenants and JSO to ensure sustainability of efforts. Begin with trouble spots such as Eureka Gardens, Cleveland Arms and Washington Heights.
Accelerate DART activities
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Drug Abatement Response Team (DART) is a multi-agency law enforcement effort designed to address neighborhood crime by enforcing building code violations, increasing patrols and targeting properties that harbor drug deals, prostitution and other nefarious activities. Assist with implementation of increased activity under this program, including identifying additional funding.
Resume neighborhood walks
Increase visibility and awareness in neighborhoods across Jacksonville. I will join JSO on walks and ask other community leaders to do so as well. A unified effort is paramount for success.
Continue and expand efforts in Seeds of Change Neighborhoods
Seeds of Change promotes healthy neighborhoods by addressing beautification, public safety and homeowner investment. Two pilot projects are now in place, one in Historic Arlington and one in Northwest Jacksonville. We've seen great strides in both communities. Grow this initiative and ultimately expand it into other areas that need support.
Build to CPTED standards and conduct security surveys
Increase the safety of our neighborhoods by encouraging adherence to the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The goal of CPTED is to reduce opportunities for crime through the design of structures and the design of neighborhoods. Encourage builders to build to CPTED standards, and increase security surveys of buildings (to look at lighting, vegetation, etc.) to make neighborhoods safer.
For more information on The Jacksonville Journey, call (904) 630-CITY or click on the links to the left.
