Public Health Madison Dane County details place-based violence-prevention work, early outcome metrics

Public Health Madison Dane County on Wednesday outlined a systems-based approach to violence prevention that pairs upstream prevention with place-based intervention and coordinated follow-up services.

"Violence is a public health issue. It is predictable. It is preventable," said Ariel Smith, director of community initiatives for Public Health Madison Dane County, in a presentation to the Common Council. Smith described the department’s role as convenor, data manager and funder, working closely with city and county departments and community partners.

Smith presented metrics from Dec. 2024 through the most recent reporting period: her unit conducted 159 outreach interactions, engaged 108 individuals through the violence-prevention unit and selected funded partners, and completed outreach in 38 priority place-based settings. Of clients served in that window, 68% had no new justice involvement while working with the team; staff connected 72 clients to housing supports. Smith said the Madison and Dane County Violence Prevention Coalition has grown to 152 members.

The presentation stressed collaboration with law enforcement, building inspection, the city attorney’s office, parks, and human services. Smith said place-based work often surfaces housing management and building condition problems that the department then coordinates with building inspection and the city attorney when chronic nuisance or safety hazards arise.

On partner selection, Smith described a shift from broad, ARPA-era grants to a more targeted RFP approach: funds are now prioritized by geography, age cohort (notably youth), and specific service gaps highlighted by data and community feedback. She said the updated Roadmap to Reducing Violence — the five-year strategic plan combining data, community input and operational priorities — is expected to be released in April, barring unforeseen delays.

Smith identified continuing challenges: demand exceeds available resources, workforce burnout in trauma-exposed positions, and the need for sustained multi-year funding. She thanked the council for recent budget moves that converted three part-time roles to full-time positions in the violence-prevention unit and noted the city provides an estimated 70% of the unit’s budget.

Council members asked detailed follow-up questions about how progress is measured and how smaller, grassroots organizations can engage. Smith encouraged organizations to contact the coalition via violence@publichealthmadisondanecounty.com, attend quarterly coalition meetings or subscribe to the coalition newsletter.

Next steps: Public Health will continue awarding place-based RFP funds, finalize the Roadmap update for April release, and report back to council with metrics and partner updates.