Protect Crime Prevention Programs

Changes in the federal and state budgets have caused significant strains and cuts on essential services. The delicate balance of reducing tax load on citizens while ensuring essential services are maintained will require continued cooperation between the city, county and state and ongoing evaluation of community needs. Cutting mental health and crime prevention programs only harms communities. The 2026 budget cut the crime prevention program by over 82%. This program serves youth identified as being at a moderate to high risk of offending. Programs that were funded in 2025 focused on educational services for suspended/expelled students, mental health programs targeting alternative thinking strategies, housing and treatment for youth with substance abuse disorders, and evidence-based mentoring programs. At a time when we are seeing a spike in overdoses, increased use of synthetic opioids, and an already overburdened healthcare and justice system, we should not be removing programs that are designed to prevent use, provide treatment and support recovery. The cost of crime response is significantly higher than maintaining crime prevention programs. Reducing the cost in these areas can help alleviate the economic burden that is passed on to the community.