Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Peacebook Executive Order, Establishing Year-Round Youth Peacekeeping Program

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the Peacebook Executive Order creating Chicago's first permanent, year-round Youth Peacekeeping Program by hiring 50 Youth Peacekeepers and four Youth Safety Advisors. Mayor Johnson joined U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th), Ald. Jesse Fuentes (26th), Ald. Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (33rd), and additional members of the City Council to sign Executive Order 2026-2, directing the establishment of the Peacebook Working Group that will contribute to the development of a scalable framework for citywide investment in youth peacekeeping.

"Giving young people the tools they need to become agents of change within their communities is one of the most powerful ways my administration is innovating to extend the reach, credibility, and impact of our investments in safer communities," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "For years, youth organizers across the City, including the leaders at GoodKids MadCity, have been organizing, advocating, and showing what becomes possible when we trust young people. By investing in peer mentoring and youth-led peacekeeping, we are investing in safer communities—not only in the future, but right now."

Mayor Johnson's order directs the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to grant up to $900,000 to facilitate the year-round Youth Peacekeeping Program. The measure builds upon the success of DFSS' summer peacekeeping programs while extending this critical work year-round, bolstering the effectiveness of the City's violence interruption and prevention investments.

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"DFSS is deeply committed to continuing the youth peacekeeping work we know is bringing real change to our neighborhoods," said DFSS Commissioner Angela Green. "The significance of Mayor Johnson's expanded investment into this effort, through the new youth-centered peacekeeping initiatives outlined in this executive order, cannot be overstated. This innovative work is truly going to change and save young people's lives. This is government at its best."

Youth Peacekeepers aged 16-24 will work on a part-time basis while training their peers in conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, organize youth-serving mutual aid networks within communities, and connect residents with resources and support services. Youth Safety Advisors will be employed full-time to supervise, guide, and mentor the Youth Peacekeepers.

"We're grateful to Mayor Johnson for trusting young people to lead," said Isaiah Williams, GoodKids MadCity Youth Organizer. "The Peacebook is about investing in us—the ones already doing the work to keep our communities safe."

Program participants will collaborate with DFSS to develop a youth resource map which will be integrated into the MyChi My Future app and a future Peacebook app which will be developed alongside the implementation of the "Peacebook" Executive Order.

The initiative builds upon the contributions City-backed youth employment, leadership programs, and community violence intervention partnerships have made to the historic declines in violence Chicago has experienced in recent years.

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"Peacebook is about engagement and bringing people into community to build the relationships that make real accountability possible," said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Emmanuel Andre. "It recognizes the power of youth leadership and understands that peace is not a single state, but an ongoing process. This program is a bold, forward-thinking approach that invests in creative solutions to interrupt and prevent violence before it occurs."

The "Peacebook" is a plan to reduce violence and support community-building developed by leaders from GoodKids MadCity and endorsed by organizations and young people across the City. It reflects a grassroots vision for safety rooted in opportunity, investment, and accountability—prioritizing mental health resources, economic pathways, and neighborhood-led solutions that address the root causes of violence while strengthening trust and resilience in our communities.

The Peacebook Working Group will make recommendations for the "Peacebook Pilot," a citywide initiative to reduce violence through prevention, opportunity, and youth leadership.

Tasked with developing a comprehensive implementation framework, the group will outline budgets, funding, and rollout plans for both neighborhood and citywide Peace Commissions. Beyond long-term strategy, the group will also provide advice in real time on how Youth Peacekeepers can address emerging trends and rapid response safety needs.

Chaired by the Deputy Mayor of Education and Youth Services alongside a youth co-chair, the Working Group includes City officials, and up to eight additional members with expertise in youth development, violence prevention, and community advocacy.

The Working Group will convene within 30 days of the order's effective date. The signed Executive Order will be posted on the City Clerk's website.

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