Residents press council for action on youth gun violence as new public‑safety committee is approved

A steady stream of public commenters told the council the city is facing an escalating problem with youth gun violence and declining public trust. Multiple speakers described recent shootings, cited local data points and urged an interagency, multi‑stakeholder response that includes police, schools, courts and social‑service partners.

Matthew Agren opened public comment by asking for progress on the funded Martell senior‑housing project and then emphasized the need for community action to address a ‘‘culture of violence’’ in the city. Lisa Jones told the council the city has recorded at least 21 instances of gunfire so far in 2026 and urged leaders to speak plainly about public safety. Rosie Boyce, who runs the Healing Collective and works at the intersection of public health and safety, urged an approach that coordinates public‑health and public‑safety interventions and volunteered her expertise and participation on relevant committees.

The mayor presented a slate of nominees for a newly created public‑safety committee. Several councilors said they objected to the appointment process in the ordinance and wanted more council input on applicant vetting; others said the committee must be formed quickly. After public comment that stressed urgency, the council approved the mayor’s nominees by roll call (5–2). Several councilors indicated they will seek ordinance changes to alter appointment procedures in the future.

Residents and councilors both said they expect the new committee to move quickly to propose coordinated strategies for prevention, enforcement, and community supports.