Racial Justice Conversations

Consultation has concluded

Overwhelmingly Cityville residents have called for City Staff to facilitate community-driven discussions on racial and social justice issues. We have created this space so that all of our community members have an opportunity to participate, connect with each other, and discuss critical issues in an environment that is safe and welcoming for all.

Cityville acknowledges that racism in its many insidious forms - systemic, structural, societal, institutional, interpersonal - is very real and well documented. We will not debate the validity of that fact in this space.

We do not have all the answers, and we don’t want to discuss or plan or try to change anything without the voices of the people we’re trying to support - our BIPOC community. It is important that the issues addressed on this page come from you. Please take a moment to suggest conversation topics in the form below, and then visit the discussion, which will change monthly. We appreciate your support and input in this crucial work.

Overwhelmingly Cityville residents have called for City Staff to facilitate community-driven discussions on racial and social justice issues. We have created this space so that all of our community members have an opportunity to participate, connect with each other, and discuss critical issues in an environment that is safe and welcoming for all.

Cityville acknowledges that racism in its many insidious forms - systemic, structural, societal, institutional, interpersonal - is very real and well documented. We will not debate the validity of that fact in this space.

We do not have all the answers, and we don’t want to discuss or plan or try to change anything without the voices of the people we’re trying to support - our BIPOC community. It is important that the issues addressed on this page come from you. Please take a moment to suggest conversation topics in the form below, and then visit the discussion, which will change monthly. We appreciate your support and input in this crucial work.

Discussions: All (1) Open (1)

  • Defunding the Police

    over 4 years ago
    39 Responses

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    What do we mean when we discuss defunding the police? It does not mean that Cityville is suggesting or advocating for the abolishment of policing. Defunding the police simply means reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department to other Cityville agencies. These agencies could provide layers of community support or services with the goal of decreasing inequities across our community. 

    Here are some quick facts about policing in Cityville:

    • 9 out of 10 calls to 911 in Cityville are calls for service around nonviolent encounters. 
    • Increasing policing does not decrease crime, according to this 60 year study. 
    • Increasing policing does not mean more crimes are solved. Last year 70% of robberies, and 47% of aggravated assaults went uncleared in Cityville. 

    Here is what we'd like to know: 

    • If we were to redirect funding away from policing, how would you prioritize distribution to community centers, trauma centers, and forgivable loans for Black-owned businesses?
    • What other community assets and services should receive distributed funds?
    • What does the idea of community policing look like to you?
    • How should we involve community groups and advocates in a reformed service response for nonviolent calls?