Phoenix council cancels youth crime-prevention contract after public criticism

The Phoenix City Council voted to cancel the current procurement and reject authorization of a proposed contract tied to a $1.5 million youth crime-prevention program after emotional public testimony and repeated council concerns about the selection process.

Mr. Harris, whose son Jacob was killed in 2019, urged the council not to award the funds to Father Matters Inc., saying the organization lacked capacity and urging the city to invest in groups committed to long-term mentoring. “If someone is not prepared to make that commitment, then I say you guys vote no,” Mr. Harris said during public comment.

City staff described the competitive process: 20 applicants were evaluated by a three-person review panel and scored on organizational capacity, program design, community engagement and evaluation methods; Father Matters was the highest scorer at 883 points, staff said. Human services staff also outlined program goals and performance metrics, including pre‑ and post‑surveys to measure improved decision‑making, reduced aggressive behavior, better school engagement and case management for high‑risk youth.

Several councilmembers said they were troubled that no one from Father Matters was present to answer questions and that the RFP had not included an interview phase. “I am a little concerned that we didn't do that,” Councilwoman Stark said, arguing interviews could have clarified capacity to work with youth. Council members also pressed staff on oversight, reporting and the department's ability to enforce contract outcomes; staff replied that contracts include six‑month evaluations, monthly implementation meetings, and termination provisions for failing performance.

After extended debate, Councilwoman Hernandez moved to cancel the RFP and direct staff to return with a revised procurement process developed in consultation with the council; the motion passed unanimously. The council instructed staff to reconvene with council members during a forthcoming policy meeting before reissuing an RFP and to aim for a later contract start that would allow a revised procurement and implementation timeline.

The council’s action did not immediately reallocate the funds; staff said the neighborhood blockwatch fund that was the source of the money would retain the funding until the council decides next steps.

The council’s direction leaves open whether Father Matters or any other previous applicant may apply to a reissued RFP; staff said applicants from the canceled procurement would remain eligible to submit proposals under a new solicitation.