Newsmakers: County Commissioner Jeff Lunde Explains “Safer Communities Summit”

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde proposed an event planned for May in Brooklyn Park that would bring together elected officials and leaders to talk about solutions that could lead to a decline in youth crime.

“We talk a lot about problems, we complain and we point fingers, but we don’t talk about solutions,” said Lunde. “So this framework that I’ve seen as mayor is a good way to give us a good plan to tackle these challenges.”

Lunde previously worked with Cities United in his work as Mayor of Brooklyn Park. The organization will lead the three-day “Safer Communities Summit” from May 16-18.

“It should be community-led — it shouldn’t be about the government doing stuff,” Lunde said. “It should be about parents, family, churches, and community groups, really stepping up and providing that ability for youth to find a path forward.”

Schools, cities, and community groups are all invited to be part of the process, which will start with participants identifying challenges. By the third day, groups will leave with the beginnings of an action plan.

“It’s up to them to take the next steps and it’s up to the county to coordinate,” aid Lunde. “It’s really exciting.”

See also: Brooklyn Park Involved in Cities United Movement

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Newsmakers