Mayor unveils Roadmap to end Gun Violence in Chattanooga

July 28, 2022

Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s Mayor released a plan on Thursday to deal with the shootings in the city.

Mayor Kelly’s Roadmap to End Gun Violence in Chattanooga is built as a framework for coordinating responses to the issue.

His goals are to stop the current cycle of gun violence and make sure it doesn’t return, long-term.

The city will hold community engagement meetings to review the plan and gather input.

“Gun violence has become an epidemic in Chattanooga and across the country, and its effects are felt far beyond the group of people immediately involved,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.

“This is a problem that Chattanooga has been struggling with every summer for many years now, and our children are hurting, families are grieving, and people are fearful and frustrated. We must unite and take action — and the Roadmap to End Gun Violence in
Chattanooga provides a path forward for our city to do just that.”

Several of the steps are underway, like the new Focused Deterrence Initiative by Chattanooga Police (more cops working crime hot-spots on the weekends).

The mayor says that effort has led to 30 arrests and the seizure of 39 illegal guns since June 10.

But that’s just the immediate solution.

The Roadmap also addresses long-term investments to get at the root of gun violence.

“But ultimately, gun violence is not just a law enforcement issue, it’s a public health issue and a community issue, which is why our Roadmap also includes long-term prevention initiatives to help our most vulnerable residents long before they ever feel the need to pick up a gun,”
continued Kelly.

“Much of this work has already begun as part of the One Chattanooga plan, and this week, our City Council approved the use of $3.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds for additional community-rooted public safety and youth engagement programs to empower young people and build a safer future for Chattanooga. While it can take years to see this scale of city-wide transformation, I am confident we can come together as a community to end our epidemic violence.”

The first community meeting happened on Monday.

Future meetings will focus on neighborhoods or specific issues.

“The roadmap is meant to be a framework, not a final plan. It’s a starting point for our partners and the community to review, refine, and expand upon,” said Dr. Mary Lambert, Director of the city’s Office of Community Health and Safety.

“Many of our community partners are already working every day to establish trusted relationships with the young people and families we are
trying to reach – which is why a community-wide approach is so vital. We must come together in common cause to truly end this public health crisis.”