In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the expansion of data collection efforts in two new target areas aimed at assessing the impact of various community interventions over the next 12 to 24 months. The meeting highlighted the importance of gathering new datasets to inform specific recommendations for these areas, building on the initial findings from the third ward.

Officials presented a heat map illustrating the baseline data and the community's status during the first six months of 2024. Notably, they reported a promising decrease in violent crime, a trend corroborated by the police chief's earlier remarks. This decline was described as a \"happy phenomenon,\" suggesting that ongoing initiatives are beginning to yield positive results.

The discussion emphasized the long-term nature of these efforts, with officials acknowledging that while immediate results may not be dramatic, the data indicates a significant shift in community safety. They expressed confidence that the program, which has been in place for approximately 30 months, is being implemented effectively and is contributing to a collective impact in reducing crime rates in Grand Rapids.

Community engagement has also seen improvements, with parents increasingly reaching out for support following incidents of violence. This growing connection between the community and the Cure Violence Team was highlighted as a critical component of the overall strategy to foster a safer environment.

As the meeting concluded, officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and encouraged questions from attendees, signaling an openness to community feedback as they continue to monitor and adapt their strategies in response to the evolving situation.