In 2025, the field of community violence intervention faced strong headwinds. A new presidential administration oversaw the Department of Justice’s elimination of more than $811 million worth of public safety grants, including $150 million previously awarded to CVIPI grantees. These cuts carved into funding streams that had been part of historic, bipartisan legislation and created sudden gaps for community-based programs. They also put significant pressure on states to decide whether and how they would step in.

As federal priorities shift, states face increasing pressure to determine their own level of commitment to violence intervention efforts. To track how states are responding in real time, explore CVI-PATH, our legislative tracker for updates and analysis on where momentum is building and where gaps remain.

In 2025, state governments played an increasingly visible role in shaping violence intervention and prevention efforts by building infrastructure and expanding administrative capacity. These developments underscore how state policy and planning are influencing the direction of community-driven approaches in a shifting national landscape. Below are noteworthy highlights from the year:

Several jurisdictions stepped up efforts to address community violence in 2025, enacting bold legislation and doubling down on proven solutions. Through dedicated funding streams, new programs, and innovative strategies, these states demonstrated how government can effectively partner with communities to prevent violence. Their achievements reflect a growing recognition that community-driven approaches are essential for public safety.

When federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity increased across Illinois, the deep networks of community-based organizations that have long worked to promote safety, trust, and resilience across neighborhoods responded. In Chicago, entities such as Scaling Community Violence Intervention for Safer Chicago (SC2), Chicago CRED, Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, and dozens of frontline outreach organizations mobilized with training, mutual aid, “know your rights” education, and rapid response efforts to support vulnerable residents. This holistic approach, grounded in collaboration across government agencies and trusted community partners, extends beyond gun violence reduction to serve as a backbone for protecting and empowering all residents in moments of crisis. 

Michigan took several critical steps to advance CVI priorities this year. Starting off the year strong, the state expanded Medicaid (HB 6046) to reimburse providers of violence prevention services in January. Then, in the fall, enacted two bills (HB 4706, SB 166) providing over $15 million dollars to CVI efforts, one of which also establishes a CVI grant program within the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. 

Nebraska (LB 261) took a modest but meaningful step toward improving public safety with a $1.6 million investment over two years in the state’s Office of Violence Prevention. The OVP focuses on the reduction of street or gang violence, homicide injuries caused by firearms, and supporting youth employment opportunities in high-crime areas.  Nebraska joins a growing list of traditionally conservative states adopting CVI policies alongside Florida, South Carolina, and Texas.

Texas took a historic step toward addressing community violence by appropriating $2 million over two years in the state budget to fund CVI efforts for the first time. This new funding, housed within the Governor’s Office of Trusteed Programs, is intended to provide essential support to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partnerships. Advocates and CVI groups also continued to push for the establishment of a CVI-focused grant program and an office of violence prevention, though these efforts were unsuccessful this year.  

Washington State took an important step toward supporting the CVI field by passing SB 5167, which, in addition to dedicating more than $28 million over two years to support violence intervention, establishes a state-funded program to train and certify frontline workers. The initiative aims to expand culturally responsive violence intervention and prevention services across at least three regions in the state. Washington joins California and Pennsylvania as one of the few states directly investing in frontline worker wellness, professional development, and technical training.