Minneapolis mayor proposes cutting $2.7 million from violence interrupter programs

The short version

• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's proposed 2027 budget reduces violence interrupter funding by $2.7 million, leaving $800,000 for contracted organizations.[Associated Press]
• Frey cited accountability concerns, lack of demonstrated results, and a lawsuit alleging improper spending to justify the reduction as the city tackles an estimated $60 million budget gap.[Associated Press]
• The budget proposal adds $2.3 million to the Community Safety Ambassador program and shifts its staff into direct city employment.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• Mayor Jacob Frey proposed reducing funding for violence interrupters by $2.7 million in his 2027 budget, leaving $800,000 available for contractors.[Associated Press]
• The 2027 budget proposal aims to close an estimated $60 million deficit by eliminating 100 positions and raising property taxes by 11.3%.[Associated Press]
• The plan increases funding for the Community Safety Ambassador program by $2.3 million and transitions its workers to direct municipal oversight.[Associated Press]
• Contracted violence interrupters recorded 217 conflict mediations over the prior year across Minneapolis.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Minneapolis mayor wants to cut funding for violence interrupters. But at what cost?Associated Press · Wire: associated-press