Portland ranks No. 7 among U.S. cities for its investments to prevent and reduce gun violence

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Portland received the No. 7 ranking out of 100 cities in Community Justice's 2025 Violence Prevention Index Report- the only national analysis measuring the strength of a city's violence prevention ecosystem.

This ranking highlights the effectiveness of Portland's gun violence reduction strategies, and the continued reductions Portland has seen in gun violence. Through partnerships among Portland Ceasefire, Portland Police Bureau, the Office of Violence Prevention, and the many community partners who collaborate every day, Portland's firearms homicides and shooting incidents decreased 57 percent year-to-date over the past three years.

"While more work lies ahead, this achievement recognizes the many system partners for their incredible work in service of others," said City Administrator Raymond Lee. "The 2025 Violence Prevention Index report demonstrates the strong commitment of the City of Portland, our local leaders, and our community are to advancing best practices and saving lives." 

The ranking is based on an assessment of 35 criteria in the categories of Intervention and Risk Factor Reduction, Addressing the Root Causes of Violence, and Local Offices of Violence Prevention.

The announcement comes as Portland Ceasefire finalizes its contracts for fiscal year 2026-27 after a competitive process involving subject-matter experts and community members.

"It is a priority for us to ensure we are following best practices and relying on solid data as we implement Portland's gun violence reduction strategies," said Director of Community Safety Programs Stephanie Howard. "Taken together, the reductions we've achieved through collaboration, and the best practices this index identifies, serve as an important yardstick of Portland's violence reduction approach."