County and Scranton agree to split consultant costs for community violence initiative funded in part by ARPA
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Summary
The Lackawanna County commissioners approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the City of Scranton to fund a consultant-led community violence intervention and prevention initiative; county and city will each cover 50% of the consultant cost, not to exceed $52,631.42, using ARPA funds and partner contributions.
The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 5 to enter an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the City of Scranton to address community and gang violence through a consultant-led initiative.
Director of Economic Development Kristen Magnotta told commissioners the county and city will each provide 50% of the consultant contract costs, not to exceed $52,631.42, and that the initiative will be supported with American Rescue Plan Act funds along with partners including the District Attorney’s Office and the Scranton School District. Magnotta said the project is in an information‑gathering and community‑partner engagement phase.
Magnotta described expected outcomes as evidence‑based community intervention programs, workforce training, and wraparound services to support children and families. She said the effort aims to identify root causes of violent crime and create coordinated responses.
Commissioners expressed support and referenced similar efforts elsewhere: one commissioner cited a York County program credited with reducing violent and gun-related crime, noting the involvement of stakeholders across law enforcement and community organizations. Another commissioner called the initiative a proactive, collaborative approach that brings police, community providers and frontline strategies together to reduce violence.
The board approved the agreement by voice vote. No detailed consultant scope of work, timeline for deliverables, or vendor name was stated in the meeting record; staff said the scope currently centers on information gathering, and the contract cap was provided during the presentation.
What’s next: staff will continue community partner engagement and proceed with consultant selection or contracting within the approved budget. County officials said ARPA expenditures must be tracked and reported to federal authorities.
Ending: The board described the initiative as a countywide priority intended to reduce violent crime through coordinated prevention and intervention strategies.