Johnson signs order establishing Office of Gun Violence Reduction
The new office will be tasked with coordinating violence prevention efforts, victim services and community safety investments, the mayor's office said.
Johnson said the office will have 17 members, including representatives from CVI organizations, grassroots organizations, faith leaders, mental health professionals and philanthropic partners.
The office is expected to publish monthly reports on possible progress of violence reduction investments and activities.
"The establishment of OGVR represents a long-term commitment to building safer communities and addressing root causes of violence," said Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Andre, with the Mayor's Office of Community Safety.
Supporters wanted at least $100 million to go toward this new department.
Supporters said the proposed funding would be reallocated from existing, unspecified sources; though it was not clear whether that would involve shifting money away from the Chicago Police Department.
Others, while expressing support for efforts to reduce violence, questioned whether a new department is necessary.