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

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.

New York City Council Member Pierina Sánchez said, "The path to safe communities is paved through opportunity. This $3 million investment is proof of what's possible when we come together to address the root causes of violence with care, collaboration, and courage. Year after year, our community is plagued alarming levels of community violence, and after the heartbreaking loss of one-year-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici, I joined my colleagues in government, community organizations, and local leaders to launch the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership - a call for deep, coordinated investment in our neighborhoods. After months of ongoing conversations with the Partnership members, we are delivering. Governor Hochul's commitment is a direct result of that effort and sends a powerful message: the West Bronx deserves the same safety, stability, and hope as every corner of our state. With these funds, local organizations can expand the proven programs that create opportunity, build trust, and save lives. Our work is far from over, but today we take a meaningful step toward the future our community has long fought for."

"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"

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.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "The partnerships being strengthened through this investment show what's possible when the State and local communities work together toward a shared vision of safety and equity. Governor Hochul's leadership, along with the dedication of District Attorney Darcel Clark and Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, is helping us move beyond short-term fixes and toward lasting, community-led progress that uplifts youth, and gives every neighborhood in the Bronx the opportunity to thrive."

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, "Public safety is a priority for each of us, and it requires strong partnerships at every level of government to keep our communities safe. We are deeply appreciative to Governor Hochul for this significant investment in Bronx community safety programs led by District Attorney Clark and Councilmember Sanchez. Bolstering these initiatives with additional funding will help further our efforts to provide effective sustainable solutions to reduce crime, support our communities, and build a safer, more resilient future for all who call the Bronx home."

Representative Ritchie Torres said, "I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in community-driven public safety. Real progress in the Bronx comes from empowering young people and tackling the root causes of violence. This funding will help build safer, stronger neighborhoods for everyone."

Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said, "Investing in initiatives to address gun violence and other crimes across the Bronx is crucial for creating and maintaining safer, healthier, and more equitable communities. By prioritizing public safety and addressing the inequities evident in specific zip codes, we can provide children, families, and the entire community with the opportunities they deserve. Well-designed investments empower communities to actively participate in their own safety efforts. I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues in government and the numerous community organizations that have made these initiatives a reality."

State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said, "This $6 million investment in the Bronx is more than just funding, it's a commitment to real, measurable progress in public safety. True safety comes from strategies rooted in data, outcomes, and the lived experiences of our residents. By investing in public safety initiatives, we're not just funding programs-we're demanding results: lower violence rates, stronger neighborhood trust, and lasting systemic change. I'm proud to support Governor Hochul's bold vision for a public safety model that is accountable, evidence-based, and driven by the very communities it serves. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a safer, fairer, and more resilient Bronx."

State Senator Robert Jackson said, "Public safety is not born from punishment - it grows from investment, from opportunity, from justice that lives beyond the courtroom. I commend Governor Hochul for recognizing that truth, and I stand proudly with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, and the many local leaders and grassroots organizers who have turned pain into purpose. This $6 million investment affirms what we in the Bronx have long known: when we empower our communities - when we fund youth, education, and healing - we build not just safer streets, but stronger futures. The path to lasting safety runs through equity, dignity, and the courage to act together."

Assemblymember George Alvarez said, "This $6 million investment is a vital step forward in strengthening the safety, well-being, and future of our Bronx communities. By supporting community led solutions that address the root causes of violence like lack of opportunity, mental health needs, and economic hardship, we are investing not just in public safety but in the people of the Bronx. I'm proud to stand with Governor Hochul, District Attorney Clark, Councilmember Sánchez, and all our partners in pushing for a safer, more equitable future for our neighborhoods."

Assemblymember Landon Dais said, "I commend Governor Hochul for this vital investment in community-led public safety initiatives here in the Bronx. This commitment will empower local leaders, organizations, and young people to take ownership of change, addressing the root causes of violence and building stronger, more hopeful neighborhoods. I proudly joined the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership because I believe deeply in its potential to uplift our borough and create lasting impact. As a staunch advocate for job creation, I know that when we invest in programs that open pathways to good-paying jobs and meaningful careers, we create the foundation for real, generational change. By prioritizing opportunity, education, and justice reform, we're not only reducing crime, but we're also equipping our communities with the tools to truly thrive. I'm honored to stand alongside District Attorney Darcel Clark, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, and our partners in making the Bronx a model for community-driven public safety."

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, "Too many Bronx families have felt the lasting impact of violence in our communities, and too often, our youth are caught in the crossfire. These challenges don't define us but remind us why continued investment in prevention, support, and opportunity in our borough is critical. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for always showing up for the Bronx and her commitment of $6 million to strengthen programs led by our Bronx District Attorney, Darcel Clark, and Council Member Pierina Sanchez. Through collaboration and community, we can ensure our Bronx residents have access to the critical tools and support they need to feel safe in their neighborhoods."

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.

Contact the Governor's Press Office