St. Pete Standard

The City of St. Petersburg has announced the selection of "Forward Together, A Youth Crime Prevention Program" as the winning project through community voting for its inaugural Innovative Equity Project. The initiative aims to provide a safety net and pathways to success for local youth, particularly those aged 12-17.

In April 2024, the city introduced the Innovative Equity Project, inviting residents to vote on one of five proposed programs to receive up to $1 million in funding. After tallying 1,211 votes, Forward Together emerged as the preferred choice. This program will be included in the Mayor's Recommended Budget for fiscal year 2025, which will be voted on by the City Council in September 2024.

“The Innovative Equity Project exemplifies my administration’s commitment to a collaborative and informed approach to decision-making,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “As one of our first initiatives out of our Office of Equity, we invited our residents to engage in the budget process, allowing them to have a direct impact on a City decision. ‘Forward Together, A Youth Crime Prevention Program’ will be transformative, providing our youth with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Forward Together Program addresses foundational causes of youth involvement in crime by focusing on intervention through violence interruption using mental health and human services programs. Funding will support social workers who will work closely with families to provide holistic support and guidance. Additionally, resources will be allocated towards updating Community Resource Centers, providing overtime pay for police officers partnering with social workers, and expanding tutoring services through PAL (Police Athletic League).

The program also enhances the existing public safety Cadet Program by offering part-time employment opportunities at the police department for cadets aged 18-21. These efforts aim to foster leadership and community engagement among young individuals while creating safer communities.

Forward Together aligns with Mayor Welch's Neighborhood Health and Safety Pillar For Progress and his Safe Summer Initiative designed to keep youth engaged and safe during summer breaks.

The Innovative Equity Project is one of the first initiatives from St. Petersburg's newly created Office of Equity. It was developed to promote community empowerment and participation in resource allocation within the city. With a dedicated budget of up to $1 million, various city departments collaborated on proposals addressing major home repairs, utility assistance, youth crime prevention, and lifesaving educational programs.

Further information about the Innovative Equity Project can be found at stpete.org/InnovativeEquity.