Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Executive Order Establishing Office of Gun Violence Reduction

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order establishing the Office of Gun Violence Reduction (OGVR), a central entity housed within the Mayor's Office which will be tasked with coordinating violence prevention efforts, victim services, and community safety investments. In addition to enumerating the duties and composition of the OGVR, Executive Order 2026-3 forms the Mayor's Office Gun Violence Reduction Advisory Council while outlining procedures to support the establishment of a permanent Department of Gun Violence Reduction.

"For far too long in this city, we have not met the scale of the challenge facing our residents with the level of investment or urgency needed to transcend the systematic neglect and separation that has left lasting scars between our communities," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Today we tell a different story, one rooted in innovation, coordination, and sustained investment in community safety. From day one in office, my number one priority has been driving down violence and breaking the cycles of trauma and despair which have disrupted the lives of countless Chicagoans—with this executive order we are bringing together every tool at our disposal to save lives and build safer communities."

The new office, to be led by the Deputy Mayor for Community Safety under the dual role of Executive Director of Gun Violence Reduction, will be tasked with the development and implementation of a comprehensive Five-Year Gun Violence Reduction Strategy.

The OGVR will work to institutionalize, strengthen, and expand the Johnson administration's existing violence reduction efforts through the coordination of grantmaking and investment in gun violence reduction programming while developing long-term strategies to address the root causes of violence.

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Central to these efforts will be increased coordination and collaboration between City Agencies and Departments through the convening of an Interagency Gun Violence Reduction Cabinet.

In recent years, Chicago has sustained historic reductions in crime and violence, with homicides falling to their lowest point in 60 years during 2025. These trends have coincided with coordinated investments in community violence intervention (CVI) organizations, youth employment, enhanced victim services, and expanded mental and behavioral healthcare programming.

"The establishment of OGVR represents a long-term commitment to building safer communities and addressing root causes of violence," said Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Andre, Mayor's Office of Community Safety. "By bringing violence reduction staff who are currently spread across multiple offices and departments together under one roof, we are strengthening coordination, centering accountability, and widening the impact of our work. By breaking down silos and aligning efforts across government and community partners, we can deliver smarter strategies and lasting safety for our communities."

The OGVR will designate communities that have historically borne the greatest burden of gun violence and where its impacts remain most urgent today as Community Safety Priority Zones. In a concerted effort to address pervasive violence in these areas, the Office will assist in the coordination of comprehensive place-based expansion of resources and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each community.

Through the collection of data related to gun violence and violence reduction initiatives, the OGVR will publish monthly reports chronicling the progress of violence reduction investments and activities. The office will also publish an annual report including recommendations to drive improved coordination between government and community stakeholders.

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Mayor Johnson's executive order follows more than a decade of committed advocacy by Chicago residents including survivors of gun violence, grassroots community organizations, and faith leaders who have called for the creation of a permanent Department.

"This executive order is an important step toward establishing a permanent department," said Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Executive Director of Live Free Illinois. "For years, we have advocated for an ordinance dedicated solely to reducing violence in Chicago through coordination, accountability, healing, and community investment. We applaud this action as a critical first step and will continue pushing for a formal ordinance that ensures this work endures beyond any single administration. As we build the foundation for safer communities, we must also invest in improving clearance rates, victim services, and access to opportunity so every resident can thrive."

To ensure community participation and the voices of those experiencing the effects of gun violence on the ground continues to inform the City's response to violent crime, the executive order also establishes the Mayor's Gun Violence Reduction Advisory Council.

Composed of 17 Chicago residents including representatives from CVI organizations, grassroots organizations, faith leaders, mental health professionals, and philanthropic partners, the Council will conduct community hearings and listening sessions to elevate the lived experiences of residents, identify emerging challenges, and assess gaps in services and programming.

Mayor Johnson's Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing. The signed Executive Order will be posted on the City Clerk's website.

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