(Washington, DC) –The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) proudly congratulates big city Member Mayors, including Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philadelphia, Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore, and Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, for their outstanding leadership in achieving historic reductions in homicide rates in their respective cities.

“On behalf of the African American Mayors Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayors Eric Adams, Karen Bass, LaToya Cantrell, Andre Dickens, Brandon Johnson, Cherelle Parker, Brandon Scott, and Randall Woodfin for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to public safety, which has resulted in historic declines in homicides in their cities,” said AAMA CEO Phyllis Dickerson. “These achievements are a testament to the power of collaborative, community-centered strategies and innovative policing employed by AAMA’s Member Mayors. AAMA remains steadfast in our mission to uplift and equip mayors to protect and serve their communities, reduce violence, and ensure a brighter, safer future for all.”

The African American Mayors Association is proud to support its members in the ongoing fight against crime and gun violence, and will continue to champion policies and partnerships that foster safer, more resilient communities across the nation. Atlanta reported a 23% decrease in homicides in the first four months of 2025. As of July 2025, Baltimore recorded a 22% decrease in homicides from the same period of 2024, marking the lowest mid-year number since 1975.  Similarly, Birmingham recently  reported a 52% drop in homicides compared to the same period in 2024. Chicago has seen a significant reduction, with homicides down 33% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, putting the city on track for its lowest annual total in years. Los Angeles just reported that it is on pace for the lowest homicide total in over 60 years. New Orleans also recorded a 34% decrease in homicides year-to-date in 2025. In New York City, the city announced last month there were the lowest number of shootings and homicides in its recorded history during the first five months of 2025. Finally, Philadelphia experienced a 28% drop in homicides in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, according to police department data.

Each of these cities achieved these record reductions in homicides through targeted, evidence-based initiatives. Atlanta, led by Mayor Andre Dickens, has launched youth engagement and employment initiatives. Mayor Brandon Scott’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy in Baltimore focuses resources and support on individuals most at risk for violence, pairing law enforcement with community outreach and social services. In Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin’s RESTORE program delivers wraparound services and mentorship to justice-involved youth, contributing to dramatic declines in youth-involved violence. In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has expanded community violence intervention programsand invested in neighborhood outreach. In Los Angeles, Mayor Bass has expanded the use of Gang Reduction and Youth Development zones and other programs. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City have recently increased gun violence prevention efforts through a comprehensive, data-driven approach and expanded youth-focused summer safety initiatives. Philadelphia, under Mayor Cherelle Parker, has strengthened partnerships between police and local organizations to address gun violence hotspots. In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has focused on community policing and violence interruption programs.

The African American Mayors Association is proud to support its members in the ongoing fight against crime and gun violence, and will continue to champion policies and partnerships that foster safer, more resilient communities across the nation.