Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces $6 Million Investment in Community-Led Public Safety Initiatives in the Bronx

Strategic Funding Will Enhance Community Justice Programming and Neighborhood Safety

Part of Governor Hochul’s Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety and Equity, Empowering Local Solutions in High-Need Areas

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $6 million, two-year investment to expand and strengthen two transformative, community-led public safety initiatives in the Bronx: District Attorney Darcel Clark’s Bronx Restore and the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership convened by New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez. This targeted commitment — developed in close collaboration with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services — responds to specific challenges in neighborhoods that have experienced persistently high rates of violence and deep-rooted inequities.

“Public safety has been and will always be my number one priority, and this new $6 million investment in the Bronx will go to community-led public safety initiatives that are proven to work and are already delivering results,” Governor Hochul said. “I am incredibly grateful for the work these community groups are doing — changing the trajectory of so many lives away from violence and back toward their community and future success. I remain deeply committed to continuing to drive down crime and increase community resources in the Bronx.”

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office will receive $3 million to serve at-risk young people in the South Bronx with community-based justice and safety strategies to prevent justice system involvement, expand opportunity and promote educational attainment and economic mobility. This program, Bronx Restore, will complement the community resources being provided through the Bronx Community Justice Center. Specifically, this new investment will support engagement with teens and young adults identified as being at the greatest risk of engaging in serious crime, and will work to reconnect them to positive influences and away from future violence and the criminal justice system.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “Governor Hochul, on behalf of everyone here in the Bronx, thank you. Thank you for investing in our borough, in our youth. Years from now we will look back on this announcement as a critical moment in our ongoing effort to make our neighborhoods safer, and to provide hope and opportunity for those who did not have it. Seventeen percent of the city’s total population resides in the Bronx, yet our County accounts for 35 percent of the city’s murders, and 37 percent of its shooting victims. This $3 million funding will be used to engage teens and young adults who are at high risk of engaging in violence.”

An additional $3 million investment will support the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership, a collaborative initiative driven by New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and other local officials, community leaders and grassroots organizations in response to persistently high levels of gun violence and a shared goal of creating a safer West Bronx. The funding will help address the root causes of violence through youth engagement, education and employment support, mental health services and stronger community connections.

DCJS will administer the funding and provide ongoing support and coordination, leveraging lessons learned through the agency’s successful Project RISE initiative, which operates in 10 communities across the state. Project RISE focuses on building safer, healthier neighborhoods by investing in youth and family supports, strengthening grassroots organizations and coordinating cross-sector collaboration.

Today’s announcement complements historic levels of state and city funding for violence prevention efforts, including the SNUG Street Outreach program at Bronx Jacobi Hospital, supported by $2.7 million, and New York City’s Crisis Management System, backed by $5 million in State support. Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to building safer, more resilient communities.

This announcement is part of Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to build safe, vibrant communities across New York State by advancing evidence-based, community-centered approaches that deliver lasting results. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made public safety a top priority, investing in violence prevention, strengthening law enforcement partnerships and supporting innovative community-based solutions to address the root causes of crime and promote long-term stability.