Today, Mayor Monroe Nichols and multiple community partners announced the launch of the Tulsa Community-Based Violence Intervention Initiative (TCVI) to help address root causes of violence and improve safety in Tulsa’s neighborhoods.

The initiative is funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and will be driven by the strong community partnerships that exist in Tulsa.

Key components of the initiative directly correlate to Mayor Nichols’ goal of making Tulsa the safest big city in the country and a city where data and intelligence are used to reduce crime in violent-prone areas, invest in neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and ensure the mental health crises needs of Tulsans are met.

“As we seek to tackle Tulsa’s most challenging issues, I’m hopeful for Tulsa’s future because of the incredible partners both internally and externally that we have in our work to enhance public safety in our community,” Mayor Nichols said. “TCVI is a bold step forward to reduce violence, strengthen neighborhoods, empower residents, facilitate resilience, and foster hope for everyone in our city.”

The TCVI grant is part of a broader initiative to combat gun violence nationwide, with recent funding of $85 million in awards to toward community-based violence intervention programs across the country.

“Data must be at the forefront of how we approach public safety, and I’m thankful for organizations like Impact Tulsa for putting these forward-thinking strategies to work in Tulsa,” said Laurel Roberts, the City’s Public Safety Commissioner. “When City and community partners collaborate on initiatives like TCVI, we build a safer, healthier, more resilient Tulsa for all of our residents.”

In a recent announcement, the federal government noted the importance of local intervention programs like TCVI in preventing gun violence through collaboration with community partners best positioned to serve youth in need.

Beth Svetlic, Assistant Executive Director of Youth Services of Tulsa, shared this about the initiative:

“Youth Services of Tulsa is proud to be part of this transformative initiative to address gun violence in Tulsa,” said Beth Edwards Svetlic, Assistant Executive Director for Youth Services of Tulsa. “TCVI will give us the opportunity to leverage our expertise with youth and young adults and provide innovative supports through credible messengers-individuals who are from their community and understand the challenges youth face. Our credible messengers will be able to work in the community to identify needs and connect youth and families with resources like food, transportation, counseling, and employment supports. This effort is about more than reducing violence—it’s a community-based approach to equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive, ultimately creating a safer, more connected Tulsa for everyone.”

Using real-time data, TCVI will leverage local expertise and evidence-based strategies to ensure areas with the highest levels of violence receive focused attention. Through real-time mapping, TCVI will identify violent hotspots, deploy credible messengers and outreach workers, and connect those at high-risk of violence with critical resources such as conflict resolution training, mental health services, employment support, and educational opportunities.

TCVI is the product of City and community partners working together within the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance to reduce the homicide mortality rate in Tulsa from 11.9% to 5.7% by 2028, addressing disproportionately high rates among the Black population

Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, shared this about the effort:

“This initiative goes beyond tackling violence—it’s about giving our community a voice in defining safety. It allows neighborhoods to take the lead, craft solutions, and build environments where families can heal and flourish. This is a vital step toward a stronger and more unified Tulsa.”

Led by credible messengers trained in conflict resolution, TCVI is modeled on validated approaches to treating violence as a public health issue that can be interrupted. The initiative will focus on high-need neighborhoods, bringing Tulsa in line with successful programs across the nation, such as New York City and Chicago, which have reported reductions in shootings by up to 63% and 67%, respectively.

“Community-led solutions are the key to reducing violence and building safe spaces for everyone,” said BerThaddaeus Bailey, Managing Director of MBK Tulsa. “TCVI is a testament to Tulsa’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth and families through collective action.”

For more information, please contact resilient@cityoftulsa.org.