CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city leaders say there could be renewed funding for the Alternatives to Violence program in the Beatties Ford community after emails showed the program would likely be shelved due to a lack of resources.
Those emails showed that city leaders had no plan to continue the ATV program despite evidence it prevented crime in communities with at-risk teens. City Councilman Malcolm Graham now says he's fighting to keep the program running.
"There are resources in the budget for Alternatives to Violence," Graham said. "And certainly as the District 2 representative, I'm going to make sure we continue funding ATV on the Beatties Ford corridor."
Graham said the city's budget has a period where new items can be added. He told WCNC Charlotte the Alternatives to Violence program is one of the items he's prioritizing for the budget.
So while there is money for ATV, it's unclear how much funding will go to the program or if it's specifically allocated to the Beatties Ford corridor.
Stats from a UNC Charlotte study found increased gun violence in Charlotte in 2019 and 2020, with a 45% increase across those two years. That's where the Alternatives to Violence program enters the picture.
Launched in 2021, the community-based program focuses on people ages 14-25, specifically targeting at-risk individuals. Researchers say the program stopped at least 40 violent encounters in the Beatties Ford neighborhood.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.