Beginning April 4th, the VRC engaged a diverse set of leaders in Boston to discuss strategies for reducing community violence, particularly community violence involving firearms. The first sessions were open to the public and included remarks from Mayor Michelle Wu, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley, and Reverend Jeffrey Brown, among others.  

After these sessions, a smaller group of civic and community leaders met for a series of meetings over a span of three days. During these meetings, participants heard from VRC staff as well as leading experts in anti-violence strategies from across the country. Participants debated the merits of these strategies and ultimately decided on a short “plan to plan” to help guide the city’s future anti-violence efforts.  

On the fourth and final day of the engagement, participants reconvened for a public report-out where participants shared their experiences and answered questions from interested stakeholders.  

The Boston “plan to plan” is now in the process of being finalized. Moving forward, the VRC will remain engaged with Boston leaders to complete the process and begin plan implementation.