City presents 30‑day Summer Safety Plan focused on Government Square youth engagement; volunteers and donations requested

City officials and community partners presented a 30‑school‑day “Government Square Community Care” plan to the Public Safety and Governance Committee, describing a community‑centered approach to reduce youth violence at downtown transit sites and nearby high schools.

Iris Rowley, who identified herself as a consultant to the city manager on policing and public safety and a member of the Cincinnati Black United Front, said the initiative builds on work begun in January 2024 and centers "positive engagement, prevention and opportunity." Rowley described daily outreach at Government Square and other transit sites that provides de‑escalation, mentorship, basic hygiene items and food; she said the City Gospel Mission has provided weekly lunches for about five months.

Rowley asked for volunteers and donations: the plan calls for recruiting 50 volunteers to staff Government Square and other transit sites across the city for two hours at a time (options included 2 hours a week or 2 hours for the next 30 school days). An outreach phone number and email were provided in the meeting: (513) 658-5246 and…