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A New Vision For Public Safety

Transforming Public Safety Through Community Development

The Transforming Safety project supports community development through small business loan and grant programs. The project uses a new safety framework that focuses on preventing crime in the first place by:

  • Focusing on economic and community development in specific neighborhoods more impacted by crime and justice system involvement
  • Empowering local community members to identify priorities and solutions
  • Providing funding to the community
  • Using a private sector approach that braids both for-profit and non-profit strengths

Learn more about the Transforming Safety project, a community development approach to public safety in the pilot communities of North Aurora and Southeast Colorado Springs.

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SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

The loan program, managed by a local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), will expand small business lending in the target communities of North Aurora and Southeast Colorado Springs. Small business loans are limited to 5 years and $50,000.

Coming soon: Information for the new communities of Grand Junction and Trinidad.

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COMMUNITY GRANTS

The Transforming Safety grant program awards grants based on the crime prevention priorities identified by each local planning team. Grant information is available for North Aurora, Southeast Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction.

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LOCAL PLANNING TEAMS

Through an open application process, local planning teams were selected for North Aurora, Southeast Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction. Each planning team is responsible for determining their community’s crime prevention priorities for the grant program.

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Community Voices

Hassan Latif, Executive Director, Second Chance Center, Aurora

“When given the opportunity, individuals and by extension communities, will seize upon ways to improve their overall condition. HB17-1326 is a unique example of justice reinvestment’s potential to improve economic growth and increased safety through entrepreneurial support and community development.”

Pastor Taj Stokes, Executive Director of THRIVE and SE Colorado Springs resident

“This bill is an opportunity to begin a new way of building community. Empowering people can directly impact public safety and prevent crime and here’s our opportunity to prove it.”

Anthony Perez, President, Concilio Hispano de Empresas de Colorado Springs

“Thanks to leadership and a new vision, the City of Colorado Springs is on the rise with growth and innovative economic development. We’re seeing it every day. Growth and innovation brings opportunities and House Bill 17-1326 will allow the citizens of Southeast Colorado Springs access to the funding needed to seize these new opportunities. I believe House Bill 17-1326 will provide current business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the resources needed to offer their services and goods throughout the city, while also giving people new work skills to take advantage of the opportunities created in Olympic City USA.”

Omar Montgomery, President, NAACP-Aurora chapter

“The Aurora Branch of the NAACP believes that House Bill 17-1326 will open doors of opportunity for individuals looking to launch their business or develop innovative strategies to make our community safe. The goal is to change the way we look at criminal justice reform by encouraging entrepreneurship and developing grassroots strategies that will support the City of Aurora in keeping our city safe. The NAACP looks forward to witnessing how House Bill 17-1326 turns dreams into a reality!”