Re-Imagine Chicago Ideas Forum: Public Safety

2020 was an inflection point nationally and in our own backyard, and it’s time to forge a new path and re-imagine how Chicago can work to lift up residents and enhance quality of life.

Are you ready to get started?

Public safety remains a fiercely-debated topic both nationally and locally, with many across the U.S. rethinking traditional ways to reduce violence. In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled “Our City, Our Safety”, a three year violence reduction plan. The plan calls for a variety of initiatives and programming, including piloting a co-responder model, creating a 211 helpline, building on police reform efforts, strengthening street outreach and enhancing victim support networks.

Join WBEZ and University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government for a virtual event to learn more about Chicago’s violence reduction priorities, bold reforms from other cities and innovative ideas from a diverse group of local civic leaders. During this event we will also connect with local activists, policymakers and community members to re-imagine how new approaches to violence reduction might build a safer and more equitable Chicago.

We also want to hear from you! Share your ideas and suggestions for violence reduction by registering today.

Event participants:

• Sasha Ann Simons, Host, WBEZ’s Reset
• Patrick Smith, Reporter, Criminal Justice
• Norman Livingston Kerr, Director of Violence Prevention, City of Chicago
• Marlita White, Director, Office of Violence Prevention and Behavioral Health, Chicago Department of Public Health
• Berto Aguayo, Executive Director, Increase the Peace
• Chris Blattman, Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago