Cook County sticks with road map to reduce gun violence as federal funds dry up

Key Takeaways:

• Gun homicides in Cook County have dropped by 50% since 2021
• Over $350 million was directed toward community-based violence intervention, including $110 million from the county
• A comprehensive approach has strengthened youth programs, survivor services, and outreach work
• Research shows that communities receiving the highest level of investment experienced the steepest safety gains
• Cook County continues to invest $30 million annually in CVI efforts, even after federal funds have dried up

The Ongoing Gun Violence Crisis

Through June, Cook County has recorded 220 gun homicides, 24 more than this time last year. Yet since the peak of the crisis in 2021, the county has seen a 50% drop in gun homicides overall. Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes that behind each sobering statistic lies a story of loss that affects families and communities. Even so, she sees reason for measured hope.

Coordinated Community Investment

To curb the wave of violence, local leaders channeled an unprecedented volume of resources into high-risk areas. In total, more than $350 million was devoted to community-based violence intervention across Illinois, including $110 million from Cook County alone. These investments supported outreach workers, youth development, and survivor services—each viewed as vital to interrupting cycles of violence.

Evidence of Success

A 2025 analysis by Northwestern University showed that resources flowed directly to the hardest-hit neighborhoods, and those with the highest levels of investment experienced greater declines in gun violence. Along with these statistics, a separate study found that individuals who completed a community violence intervention (CVI) program were 73% less likely to be arrested for a violent crime than those not in the program.
One success story comes from North Lawndale, where a young man named Preston credits outreach workers from the Firehouse Community Arts Center with guiding him away from a perilous path. “If it wasn’t for the outreach team not giving up on me, ain’t no telling where I would be,” he said. Preston ultimately rose to a supervisor role in the very same program, paving the way for others who feel similarly lost.

Sustaining the Momentum

While the American Rescue Plan Act funds that fueled these community efforts begin to dry up, Cook County remains resolute. “As the American Rescue Plan Act resources phase out,” Preckwinkle wrote, “we face a critical question: whether we will sustain what is working. At Cook County, the answer is yes.” Even as federal contributions decline, the county continues investing $30 million each year into community violence intervention and survivor services.
Skeptics sometimes question non-punitive approaches and highlight occasional missteps in an effort to undermine these proven tactics. Yet the data indicates that local trust, targeted services, and consistent engagement work more effectively than criminalization alone.

The Call for Hope

Hope, Preckwinkle stresses, is not merely optimism; it is a powerful force that motivates community leaders, outreach workers, and the residents they serve. Mothers, survivors, and advocates on the ground are daily proof that driving down violence and building better lives require sustained, unyielding dedication. Their efforts remind everyone that real progress depends on providing the zip codes most at risk with the resources they need. Through collaboration and investment, a safer and more resilient Cook County is within reach.