Office of Public Health and Safety outlines $27.97 million 2026 budget, highlights violence-reduction and tenant aid

The Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) presented its 2026 budget proposal to the City-County Public Safety Committee on Aug. 27, asking the committee to approve a $27,974,790 package of consolidated county funds, federal grants and opioid-settlement dollars while describing program outcomes and planned priorities.

Carla Duffy, OPHS chief financial officer, told the committee the total introduced budget by fund is $27,974,790, comprised of $22,504,231 in consolidated funds, $4,470,559 in federal grants and $1,000,000 in opioid settlement dollars. Duffy said the introduced 2026 budget represents an overall reduction from 2025 of about 2% (roughly $516,002), or nearer 4% if an approved TAP request of $500,000 is excluded.

Director Andrew Merkley said the agency’s portfolio includes violence-reduction programs, reentry services, the Assessment and Intervention Center (AIC), the Release Lobby at the Community Justice Campus, food-access programs and eviction/tenant assistance. Merkley highlighted the city’s Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), noting a reported 50% reduction in murders and nonfatal shootings in the city since the program’s launch; he credited coordinated investments, partners and targeted outreach.

What OPHS asked for and will spend: Duffy described key program budgets and shifts. - Consolidated county funds: $22.5 million (primary operating fund). - Federal grants: $4.47 million (including Byrne grants supporting behavioral health and NDPs activities). -…