In 2014, for the 8th year in a row, MAPC will be facilitating the Metro Mayors Shannon Grant Coalition. The Shannon Grant is a statewide youth and gang violence prevention grant that includes both law enforcement and social services components. The Metro Mayors grant comprises of eight inner-core communities: Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, and Winthrop. The total grant for 2014 is $364,000, a 10% increase over 2013. The grant has fostered a remarkable amount of coordination and collaboration both within communities between law enforcement and non-profits and human services departments as well as among communities. It funds a variety of efforts and entities that together, work to prevent and suppress youth and gang violence. Because youth and gang violence does not respect municipal boundaries, a key component of this grant is the regional nature of the efforts.
Metro Mayors also lead the statewide advocacy for the Shannon Grant. Each spring, Metro Mayors hosts a Day on the Hill to express support for the grant and bring together young people, law enforcement, mayors, and legislators at the State House.
– Charlie Titcotsky, Government Affairs Specialist
