MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County will be getting more money to tackle the problem of teen violence.
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners recently unanimously approved thousands of dollars to fund violence prevention programs.
Across the Charlotte region, more kids and teens are involved in shootings this year. City and county leaders are working to combat the issue, and there's hope the new federal funding will help.
On Tuesday, the commissioners approved a $40,000 grant to fund school-based and community violence prevention programs. The money comes from the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods program. It's an initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community-based partners, and others to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community. The end goal is to develop comprehensive solutions.
“This is very much needed," Vilma Leake, District 2 Commissioner, said.
While violent crime has dropped this year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says shootings among those under 18 have increased 32% from 2022.
Officials say the trends are alarming and that the youth need more activities and programs.
"They need life skills, and they need support," CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey said in a previous press conference.
Right now, it's unclear when that money will be used and the exact details of how the program will be implemented.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.