Re-Imagine Chicago Ideas Forum: Public Safety

2020 was an inflection point nationally and in our own backyard, and it’s time to forge a new path and re-imagine how Chicago can work to lift up residents, improve public safety and enhance quality of life. Are you ready to get started?

Public safety remains a fiercely-debated topic both nationally and locally. Cities big and small across the U.S are rethinking police size, oversight, funding and responsibilities. In Chicago, home to the second-largest police force in the nation, many including Mayor Lightfoot, our city council and local activists are exploring ways we might change policing for the better.

Join WBEZ and University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government for a virtual event to learn more about Chicago’s public safety priorities, bold reforms from other cities and insights into innovative ideas from a diverse group of local civic leaders. During this event we will also connect with local activists, policymakers, police officers, and community members to re-imagine how new approaches to policing might build a more equitable Chicago.

The event will feature interviews and panel discussions with:

• Patrick Smith | Reporter, Criminal Justice; WBEZ

• Norman Livingston Kerr | Director of Violence Prevention, City of Chicago

• Marlita White | Director, Office of Violence Prevention and Behavioral Health, Chicago Department of Public Health

• Berto Aguayo (CLA'21) | Executive Director, Increase the Peace

• Chris Blattman | Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago