HR183: HR183 Macon Violence Prevention Program; impactful efforts in reducing violent crime in Macon-Bibb County and commending its community-wide collaboration and innovative approach to violence prevention; commend

25 LC 129 0103 House Resolution 183 By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Griffin of the 149th, Washburn of the 144th, Paris of the 142nd, Jones of the 143rd, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing the Macon Violence Prevention Program for it impact ful efforts in reducing1 violent crime in Macon-Bibb County and commending its community-wide collaboration and2 innovative approach to violence prevention; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) Program has become a m o d e l f o r4 effective violence prevention by combining law enforcement-led efforts with public health5 and community-led initiatives; and6 WHEREAS, MVP has focused on addressing the root causes of viole nt crime through7 targeted programs, equitable resource distribution, and innovat ive approaches, including8 prioritizing community input and tailoring interventions at the neighborhood level; and9 WHEREAS, Macon-Bibb County has experienced a significant and st eady decline in10 homicides every year since the inception of the MVP Program, de monstrating its11 effectiveness in improving public safety; and12 WHEREAS, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia has played a v i t a l r o l e i n13 administering MVP grants, supporting local non-profits focused on youth-centered14 H. R. 183 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0103 prevention programs, and strengthening grassroots organizations to create sustainable15 community change; and16 WHEREAS, eighty MVP community grants, totaling more than $2.5 m illion, have been17 awarded to 52 local non-profits to implement impactful programs providing mentorship,18 educational opportunities, and resources to at-risk youth and their families; and19 WHEREAS, MVP partners, including Mayor Lester Miller, Sheriff D avid Davis, District20 Attorney Anita Howard, and the MVP Steering Committee, have worked collaboratively to21 ensure that the program adheres to national best practices while fostering local innovation;22 and23 WHEREAS, the MVP Program's holistic and collaborative approach has earned Macon-Bibb24 County the Visionary City Award from the Georgia Municipal Association in 2024, further25 solidifying its reputation as a model for other communities; and26 WHEREAS, Macon-Bibb County received national recognition by being ranked 6th in the27 nation for its evidence-based approach to reduce violent crime in Community Justice's 202428 Violence Prevention Index; and29 WHEREAS, the program's emphasis on collaboration among law enforcement, government,30 non-profits, and residents has strengthened trust and created a safer environment for all31 citizens in Macon-Bibb County.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that33 the members of this body commend the Macon Violence Prevention Program for its34 H. R. 183 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0103 exemplary work in reducing violent crime, enhancing public safety, and empowering local35 communities.36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize Mayor Lester Miller37 for his leadership and vision in launching the MVP Program as w ell as all MVP partners,38 including law enforcement, the judiciary, non-profit organizati ons, and community39 stakeholders, for their tireless efforts in achieving shared goals.40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized41 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Mayor42 Lester Miller, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and t h e M V P S t e e r i n g43 Committee.44 H. R. 183 - 3 -