Safety starts at the community level: Actionable lessons from three US cities

This Brookings Institution report examines how local leaders in Chicago, Oakland, and Washington D.C. are scaling community-centered public safety solutions amid federal funding cuts and policy uncertainty. The research, conducted in partnership with LISC, emphasizes place-based, ecosystem approaches that integrate prevention, intervention, and response, along with cross-sector partners in economic and workforce development. It argues that evidence-based local policies can reduce crime, rebuild trust, and increase economic opportunity in impacted neighborhoods. The report draws on qualitative interviews and the Community-Centered Economic Inclusion (CCEI) model, highlighting that most Americans agree on the importance of safety, jobs, and health, making such policies a win-win. The findings aim to provide actionable strategies for localities facing public safety challenges.