Mayors' Poll Reveals Call for Federal Aid Amid Persistent Urban Crime Challenges
The findings align with President Trump's initiatives, including National Guard deployments to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, and plans for Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans.
A survey of 60 mayors from 28 states released Thursday by the U.S. Conference of Mayors underscores ongoing urban crime concerns, with nearly six in 10 describing juvenile offenses as a serious or very serious issue, despite year-over-year declines in violent crime. The "Crime and Policing in America's Major Cities: A 60-City Survey" identifies juvenile crime, shootings, homicides, and robberies as primary threats, alongside rising car thefts and retail thefts.
Seventy percent of respondents reported insufficient funding for youth anti-violence programs, exacerbating the escalation in juvenile offenses' severity. Baltimore officials noted a drop in juvenile gun violence victims but frustration with repeat arrests among young offenders. Overall, violent crime fell 10-15% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, yet mayors emphasized sustained federal support.
Seventy-seven percent seek expanded Drug Enforcement Administration assistance for drug trafficking, 75% request Federal Bureau of Investigation help with investigations—including cold cases—and 73% desire Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives aid in tracking illegal firearms. Mayors also called for grants to acquire police equipment like drones and body cameras.
U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO Tom Cochran stated: "While many cities have seen a significant reduction in violent crime over the last year or so, it is clear that it remains a challenge in our communities. The president of the United States continues to discuss this issue and has indicated his intention to take further federal action to reduce violent crime, including sending the National Guard into more cities."
The findings align with President Trump's initiatives, including National Guard deployments to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, and plans for Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans. Trump highlighted federal efforts in Memphis, crediting a 15% homicide reduction to FBI involvement, and asserted: "The only reason crime is somewhat down in Memphis is because the FBI, and others in the Federal Government, at my direction, have been working there for 5 months... But the real work by us has barely begun." A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 40% of respondents view Republicans as having a stronger crime plan.
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