Columbus Empowerment Network
Transforming Lives & Revitalizing Communities
The Columbus Empowerment Network is a community-based collaborative and data-driven initiative focused on revitalizing marginalized communities by addressing the chronic issues plaguing those areas such as:
- Poverty
- Gun Violence
- Hopelessness
- Disinvestment
- Gang Activities
- Affordable Housing
- Lack of Mobility/Jobs
- Lack of Youth Activities
- Community Disruptions/Cleanliness
- Community and Law Enforcement Engagement
Improving the lives of the most vulnerable
The core value is to make better decisions that reflect the interests and concerns of the communities who are affected by the decision and include them in the solution process. Community-based strategies promote sustainable decisions because the needs and interests of all are communicated, including decision-makers. This creates priority alignment, transparency, and trust when all sectors of the community work together on a shared vision.
Proof of the success of this approach is demonstrated by the Omaha 360 Violence Intervention and Prevention Collaborative. Over the last 10 years, this collaboration has worked together to reduce gun violence, lower the poverty rate, and create economic growth throughout North Omaha. Their high engagement and targeted approach resulted in a 74% decrease in gun violence from 2008 to 2018. Homicide rates decreased while clearance rates increased as community and police work together to make sure homicides are solved and families receive justice.
Together, we are dedicated to reducing gun violence, creating opportunities, and improving quality of life for the most vulnerable in the Chattahoochee Valley.
Reducing Crime in Columbus
Get 6 Practical Policy Methods to Restore Community Safety
Our Columbus Crime Report details six practical solutions that city leaders can use to reduce crime in Columbus and restore safety, hope, and opportunity to the broader community.
