Kansas City Launches Community Survey to Address Crime

News Summary

Kansas City is set to launch a new community survey focusing on crime and safety perceptions in over 40 neighborhoods. Kicking off between October 5-13, this initiative is part of the city’s $30 million Violence Prevention Fund, aiming to gather invaluable community insights. Residents participating in this first-of-its-kind survey led by Dr. Maja Kotlaja will be rewarded with a $50 gift card. The findings, expected in January 2025, will inform public policy and enhance community safety efforts.

Kansas City Takes a Big Step to Tackle Crime and Safety Concerns with New Community Survey

Hey there, Kansas City! Are you ready for some exciting news? The city is rolling out a brand new community survey aimed at diving deep into the local sentiments surrounding crime and safety. This survey will soon be making its way to selected neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri, kicking off around October 5 to October 13!

What’s the Big Idea?

So, what’s all the fuss about? Over 40 neighborhoods are getting the chance to offer their thoughts on key local issues. This isn’t just any survey; it’s part of Kansas City’s impressive $30 million Violence Prevention Fund, which strives to tackle crime head-on by utilizing data-driven strategies. With this initiative, the city hopes to foster safer neighborhoods and engage the community in proactive solutions to crime.

A First for Kansas City

Dr. Maja Kotlaja, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, is leading this initiative, marking the first time such a survey is being conducted in our city. Inspired by a successful model from Chicago, the survey aims to gather valuable insights on community perceptions related to crime and disorder. Essentially, it’s about understanding how residents perceive their neighborhoods and the factors that affect safety and overall well-being.

What’s in it for You?

Now here’s the cherry on top! If you participate in the survey and provide your thoughts, you’ll be rewarded with a sweet $50 gift card as an incentive. Who doesn’t love a little extra cash for sharing their opinion? With around 800 households expected to participate, this survey is not only about collecting data but encouraging conversations and collaboration among community members.

Catering to Diverse Neighborhoods

The survey process has already shown promise in other U.S. cities, effectively informing public policy to better reflect the needs of local communities. Kansas City has randomly selected 30 neighborhoods, alongside 10 neighborhoods with higher violent crime rates, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community concerns. The aim is to assist everyone in participating in solutions regarding crime and safety issues.

A Voices for Change

Janese Williams, part of the data collection team, highlights the importance of giving communities a genuine voice through this survey. This effort is not just about gathering data; it’s about empowering residents to share their experiences and opinions, leading to informed discussions about local challenges and potential solutions. Williams underscores the need for national support for community-based solutions, helping create a brighter future for everyone.

What Happens Next?

After the data has been collected, the KCMO City Council and the health department will be the lucky receivers of these insightful results. Once the survey wraps up, Kansas City residents can expect to see the findings in January 2025. It’s anticipated that the collective feedback will pave the way for community-led initiatives, steering public policy in a positive direction.

Join the Team!

Kotlaja is currently on the lookout for 20 additional community interviewers to assist with the survey process, offering a rate of $20/hour. If you’re interested in contributing to this crucial effort to make Kansas City a better place, now’s the time to get involved!

Wrapping Up

So Kansas City, gear up for this important survey and make your voice heard! Together, we can take those critical steps towards ensuring that our beloved city remains a safe and vibrant community for all. Don’t miss out on this chance to impact change while possibly snagging a gift card too!