Cities United and Community Justice Stand in Support of Unanimously Approved Resolution to Strengthen Austin’s Office of Violence Prevention

June 5, 2025 

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Arnitta Holliman, Deputy Director of Cities United, and Christina Delgado, National Organizing Manager at Community Justice, appeared before the Austin City Council to express their full support of Item 83, a pivotal resolution that calls for stronger collaboration, governance, and sustainability of the City’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). 

Sponsored by Council Members José Velásquez, Ryan Alter, Krista Laine, José “Chito” Vela, and Mayor Kirk Watson, the resolution directs the City Manager to: 

• Collaborate with Travis County and relevant public health and safety leaders to develop a comprehensive public health and safety plan, 

• Assess the OVP’s current governance structure, and 

• Return to Council with recommendations to elevate and sustain OVP’s role in advancing community safety. 

“Federal inaction has real, local consequences—especially as rising poverty and economic stress fuel cycles of violence in our homes and communities. This resolution is about meeting that reality with bold action. By strengthening the Office of Violence Prevention, we’re investing in what we know works: community-led solutions that interrupt violence at the root and build pathways to healing’” said Councilmember José Velásquez, City of Austin during his remarks. 

“ I’m proud to stand with the advocates, organizations, and colleagues who continue pushing us toward a city where care, not crisis, is the norm.” 

Both Cities United and the Community Justice work in support of ATX Peace, a local initiative that brings together various community-based organizations, including Life Anew Restorative Justice, Jail to Jobs, Hungry Hill, and other supportive entities, to coordinate violence prevention efforts, provide healing-centered services, and elevate the leadership of those most impacted by violence.

Holliman, a national leader in community violence intervention (CVI), praised the resolution: 

“Austin is taking a bold and necessary step, not just reacting to violence, but preventing it at the root. Strengthening the Office of Violence Prevention means choosing to protect lives, invest in healing, and rebuild trust between institutions and the communities most impacted. Together with ATX Peace and a powerful network of frontline organizations, the City of Austin and Travis County are raising the bar for what it means to protect CVI, grow systems of care, and build a city where healing is the foundation of safety.” 

Delgado echoed this sentiment: 

“Community-based violence intervention programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing incidents of gun violence, mediating conflicts, and fostering community restoration through the efforts of organizations such as ATX Peace. The resolution passed today confirms the City of Austin's recognition of the imperative and opportunity to develop a sustainable model grounded in principles of public health, equity, and compassionate care.” 

Both organizations are core partners in the #ProtectCVI campaign, a national effort to safeguard investments in lifesaving, community-led strategies amidst shifting political and funding landscapes. 

“Today’s unanimous vote is a powerful example of what political will can do when it aligns with community wisdom. By advancing this critical measure, Austin is not just funding programs, it’s growing an ecosystem of care, safety, and opportunity for Travis County. We applaud the City Council for recognizing that sustainable change requires partnership, bold leadership, and long-term investment in the people doing the work on the ground. This is what it looks like to protect CVI and lead the way by putting community first.” said Anthony Smith, Executive Director, Cities United 

Local leader Eddie Franz, Director of Jails to Jobs and co-founder of ATX Peace said, “This unanimous vote is a clear sign that Austin is ready to do things differently. Community-based organizations have been on the frontlines for years—healing harm, preventing violence, and building trust block by block. With the City Council’s support, we now have the political will to match the community’s willpower. This resolution strengthens the entire ecosystem and brings us one step closer to a city where safety is rooted in justice, care, and collaboration.” 

Cities United and Community Justice remain committed to supporting Austin’s local leaders, advocates, and residents in this transformative work. The passage of this resolution is the beginning of a renewed commitment to community-rooted public safety. 

As cities across the country grapple with the consequences of disinvestment and federal inaction, Austin is choosing a different path: one grounded in prevention, partnership, and the belief that every resident deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. The momentum built today must now translate into sustained investment, cross-sector collaboration, and continued elevation of those with lived experience. 

For more information, visit protectcvi.com, or citiesunited.org, or cjactionfund.org. 

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Community Justice is a non-partisan project of Tides Center and builds power for communities of color to end gun violence.