Lexington Engages Community to Combat Gun Violence

News Summary

Lexington officials are launching a series of community forums starting January 8, 2024, to address gun violence and gather input from residents. Spearheaded by One Lexington, these discussions aim to create actionable solutions for enhancing safety in Fayette County. Additionally, a Gun Violence Task Force is advocating for the declaration of gun violence as a public health emergency to secure more resources for prevention efforts. All community members are encouraged to participate and voice their concerns.

Lexington Gears Up for Community Conversations on Gun Violence

In a bid to tackle the complex issue of gun violence, officials in Lexington are rolling out a series of open forums aimed at sparking dialogue and crafting solutions. Starting the first week of January 2024, residents are encouraged to come together and share their thoughts on how to make Fayette County a safer place for everyone.

Mark Your Calendars!

The first forum is set to kick off on January 8, 2024, at Tates Creek High School and will be held every Wednesday throughout the month. With various locations across the city, the initiative is part of the broader effort spearheaded by One Lexington, a group dedicated to fostering community collaboration and finding real solutions to this pressing challenge.

Building a Safe Community

The primary goal of these forums is simple: bring residents together to discuss the alarming issue of gun violence and brainstorm effective solutions. Officials believe that by creating a space where community members can voice their concerns, they can foster a deeper understanding of the issue at hand and make meaningful progress.

Residents interested in learning more about this initiative or who want to participate can visit the One Lexington website for updates. Alternatively, they can reach out directly by calling their office at (859) 303-2637.

A Tackle of Public Health

Gun Violence Task Force is also hard at work behind the scenes. This task force is preparing to recommend that gun violence be declared a public health emergency to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. If the council approves this declaration, it could lead to increased funding opportunities and greater public awareness initiatives aimed at combating gun violence across the community.

Team Effort

Composed of council members, local community members, and representatives from law enforcement agencies, the task force has been actively meeting for over a year to discuss strategies and solutions. Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds, who chairs the task force, is also advocating for a budget of $75,000. The proposed funds would support a full-time role dedicated to gun violence prevention coordination. This position would be fundamental in managing media campaigns and responding to incidents of gun violence.

Voices for Change

Positive Trends Ahead

gun-related homicides and non-fatal shootings. Over the past three years, there has been a remarkable decrease of nearly 60% in non-fatal shootings. This encouraging data illustrates that while challenges remain, there’s potential for further improvement through dedicated community action.

Together Towards Solution

Ultimately, these initiatives symbolize hope and the promise of progress in Lexington, and they invite every resident to play an integral part in shaping a safer community.