Kankakee: From Vision to Will

Kankakee, IL – July 2025

Kankakee, Illinois, may have a population of just over 23,000 residents, but the scope and ambition of its public safety efforts rival those of far larger jurisdictions across the country. As the fifth stop on the Leading the Way Tour, Kankakee demonstrated what it looks like when a community fully embraces the challenge of preventing and interrupting violence through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment. Local leaders showcased how a comprehensive public safety ecosystem can take shape in a smaller city—particularly through the work of Kankakee United and the steady leadership of Mayor Christopher Curtis. Their approach illustrates that size does not dictate capacity; rather, it is the depth of partnership, the clarity of vision, and the willingness to act that define real progress.

Tour Revelations

• A powerful foundation rooted in community leadership
The resilience and organizational strength of Kankakee United emerged as one of the city’s greatest assets. Their work blends community-centered outreach and meaningful engagement with those most impacted by violence. Yet the tour also surfaced the need for increased investment, intentional storytelling, and stronger governance structures, elements that would elevate their impact and ensure their work is recognized and sustained. This combination of existing strength and identified opportunity creates an ideal launching point for broader collective movement across the city (and possibly the county).

• A clear opportunity for countywide alignment
Leaders acknowledged that violence does not adhere to city boundaries, making collaboration across the full county not only beneficial but necessary. The tour highlighted a growing openness among partners to develop a comprehensive, county-level plan that recognizes the interconnected nature of safety, health, and community well-being. This alignment represents one of the most promising pathways for long-term impact.

• A promising partnership with the local health system
Kankakee is in the early stages of building a deeper relationship with its local health system, an effort that could significantly strengthen hospital-based intervention and post-incident support. This partnership is a critical pillar of a full public safety ecosystem, ensuring that survivors of violence receive immediate assistance, credible support, and continuity of care that can reduce retaliation and improve healing.

• A growing collective of young leaders
Perhaps one of the most inspiring outcomes of the tour stop was the emergence of a new collective of young leaders committed to shaping a safer Kankakee. Their willingness to engage, learn, and contribute reflects both the community’s potential and the importance of investing in their leadership development. This group represents the next generation of advocates, strategists, and bridge-builders, offering a powerful avenue for deeper engagement and long-term sustainability.

The Journey Ahead

As Kankakee works to sustain the momentum of its current public safety strategies while also laying the groundwork for a multi-year comprehensive plan, Cities United will continue to partner closely with Kankakee United and the city’s dedicated network of local collaborators. Together, they aim to build a durable, well-resourced, and community-rooted ecosystem capable of supporting prevention, intervention, and healing for years to come.

A critical early milestone in this journey has already been reached: the initial conversations around a crisis response strategy designed to improve post-incident communication, coordinate support for those most impacted, and foster stronger collaboration across agencies. This strategy reflects Kankakee’s growing capacity to respond to violence with clarity, compassion, and coordination.

Kankakee’s determination, combined with its expanding partnerships and emerging leadership, makes it clear that the city is not simply participating in the national movement for community-driven safety—it is actively helping lead it. In every sense, Kankakee is truly leading the way.

“We had a shooting, and it took a full day for the school to even know. Some people got help right away, others got nothing. Imagine if within an hour, every partner knew, youth mentors were checking in, and therapists were on the block. That’s what a coordinated plan could give us.” - Kankakee Ecosystem Partner

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