Violence reduction strategies are all too often centered in a criminal justice system response while ignoring the economic alternatives that can play a much more effective role reducing violence over the long-term. For this to happen the electorate in Chicago needs to hold their political leaders accountable for their votes not just on justice issues but also across the whole range of topics that come in front of them.

Our discussion with Paul Vallas from our Facebook Live Interview Series this past Wednesday centers on real ways for the City of Chicago to invest meaningfully in Chicago south and west sides, redirect tax increment financing (TIF) dollars, and mandate anyone doing business with the City have strong minority employment and training requirements. These strategies are true violence reduction plans that may have substantial impact over the long-term.

It is clear that the seeds for the violence Chicago has been experiencing in 2020 were sown decades ago. Chicago’s political leadership has spent decades looting communities of color throughout Chicago and then blamed those same communities for persistent street violence. The hypocrisy is rank but so are the politics in Chicago. Mayor Daley closed mental clinics and Mayor Emanuel closed 50 schools in those same areas. The violence Chicago has seen should not be a surprise to any Chicagoan.

Here is our wide ranging discussion with Paul Vallas. Below are multiple clips form that same discussion.

(Visit our YouTube Channel for all the videos from our Facebook Live Interview Series and original content produced exclusively for our YouTube channel.)

Vallas discussing the blame that lies at the feet of the Chicago City Council.

COVID-19: Seismic vs. Slow Burn Disruption to City Finances?

The Economic Impact of Tax Increment Financing Districts on Chicago

Addressing the Myth that Gentrification is a Solution to Violence

Investing in Communities to Address Preconditions for Violence