In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a two-year contract valued at $165,000 aimed at implementing the Group Violence Intervention (GBI) program in Harrisburg. The funding for this initiative will come from a grant provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The allocated funds will be utilized for consulting and training services designed to support the GBI program, which seeks to reduce violence in the city.

During the meeting, council members raised questions regarding the specific use of the funds. It was clarified that the money would primarily be directed towards training Community Support Advocates (CSAs) and credible messengers who will play a crucial role in violence reduction efforts. Currently, the program is in the vetting process for selecting credible messengers. CSAs are expected to engage with schools and maintain regular contact with individuals identified by the GBI, having already reached out to 20 individuals and successfully contacted 11 of them.

Further inquiries included the nature of the grant, which was confirmed to be a reimbursement grant rather than a matching grant. The first call related to the GBI initiative is anticipated to occur by December 11, 2025.

Additionally, the council reviewed Resolution 52 of 2024, which authorizes the city to negotiate a professional services contract with State Street Strategies LLC for strategic guidance and lobbying services. This resolution was previously discussed in a work session, where council members requested further details regarding the timeline of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing violence through structured programs and strategic partnerships, with officials urging support for the resolutions aimed at enhancing community safety in Harrisburg.