Syracuse council hears plan to reallocate DOJ violence-prevention grant amid concerns over sustainability and cost per participant

City staff told Syracuse City Council they are reallocating portions of a Department of Justice (DOJ) violence‑prevention grant to local nonprofits after some original contractors did not invoice or perform under their awards.

The updated award total presented to the council was $272,278.36, and officials said Syracuse Community Connections would receive an additional roughly $103,000 while Good Life Youth Foundation would receive an increase (discussed as about $73,000) as part of the reallocation plan. Staff said the Southwest Center would receive a larger share because it will host Mothers Against Gun Violence, a community program led by Leapa Jones.

Why it matters: council members said the reallocation keeps services running for high‑risk individuals but urged greater transparency. They asked for a side‑by‑side comparison of the original 2024 budgets and the revised line items so members can see what changed and why. Several raised alarm about short‑term funding and the risk that participants could lose services once the federal grant term or extension ends.

Staff described the city’s role as manager and monitor of contracts for the Mayor’s Office Against Gun Violence. Stephanie Pasqual, identified in the hearing as chief strategy officer with the city of Syracuse, explained the DOJ grant is reimbursement‑based and was…