FLINT, Mich. — In response to a troubling rise in community violence, Mayor Sheldon Neeley today outlined an expanded public safety plan focused on prevention, intervention, and community engagement — with a clear next step to seek partnership and resources from the State of Michigan.
This summer has seen a spike in shootings, stabbings, and public disturbances — including a fatal shooting during the city’s annual 810 Day celebration and a widely circulated video showing police use of pepper spray on a crowd. These incidents have deeply shaken Flint residents and underscore the urgent need for long-term, coordinated solutions.
“Our community deserves more than reactive enforcement,” said Mayor Neeley. “We need strategies that address the root causes of violence, rebuild trust between residents and institutions, and create lasting change. That means building on the work we’ve started and securing the resources to take it further.”
The City’s expanded strategy will be implemented in phases, with state support as a planned next step in four priority areas:
- Community-Based Violence Prevention — Funding for programs that work directly with at-risk youth and neighborhoods most impacted by violence.
- Intervention Strategies — Expanding credible messenger programs, conflict mediation, and trauma-informed services.
- Law Enforcement Training & Engagement — Enhancing de-escalation, crisis response, and community engagement skills to strengthen accountability and trust.
- Data & Evaluation — Resources for independent evaluation and transparent reporting on progress.
“With the right partnerships, we can turn the tide,” Mayor Neeley said. “This is about healing, prevention, and community-led solutions — not just enforcement.”