Council approves CVI contracts; members push for clearer, uniform metrics

Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved a package of community violence intervention contracts aimed at reducing gun violence, while several members said they will press the administration for clearer and more uniform performance measures.

The council moved to take up and approve the CBI (community behavioral intervention) contracts — listed as line items 19.9, 19.11, 19.12 and 19.13 on the agenda — after a request from organizations waiting to be heard. The items were moved and approved after discussion and public comment.

Why it matters: Supporters described the contracts as a key component of the city’s strategy to lower shootings and provide services to affected residents; critics and some members said the city needs standardized metrics and more wraparound services to link contract performance to durable changes in people’s lives.

Council Member Leticia Johnson, who moved some of the items, said she is grateful for the work but wants more detailed information from the police department and clearer indicators of life changes that contractors produce. “What I’m really looking for is how are we changing people’s lives and helping them to be better citizens,” Johnson said, adding that she will press for data beyond short‑term drops in crime.

Member Durhall and others praised CVI groups’ contributions. Durhall said the programs have produced meaningful reductions in specific areas and asked that the record reflect the city’s appreciation for the organizations’ teams.

Member Coleman Young II said CVI work should be combined with expanded recreational programming, longer center hours and mental‑health services. He urged a holistic approach that includes both intervention workers and police officers who engage neighborhoods.

Public comment: Arthur Edge, identifying himself as president of Detroit 300, urged approval and described a recent case his team handled involving a 10‑year‑old who obtained a gun. Edge said Detroit 300 will report back to the council on progress under the contract.

Council Member Santiago Romero said the city should evaluate adding an Office of Violence Prevention to coordinate wraparound services and the multiple strategies CVI groups deploy.

What’s next: Members signaled they expect additional CVI contract packages next year and said they will request more detailed outcome reporting from both contractors and the police department to track whether reductions in shootings are attributable to program activity or other factors such as arrests or incarceration.

The council approved the CBI contract items and attached requested waivers where noted. The administration and law enforcement will be asked to provide requested metrics and follow‑up reports.

Ending: With the votes taken, the council moved on to other agenda business; members said they will revisit metrics and program evaluation in the new year.