Last week’s horrific killing of a three-year-old child in Columbia and other violence has prompted Mayor Barbara Buffaloe to propose a new Office of Violence Prevention.
Mayor Buffaloe outlined her proposal in a nine-paragraph guest commentary in the “Columbia Missourian” newspaper. The mayor says she’ll ask her fellow council members to support her request at tonight’s city council meeting.
Mayor Buffaloe says numerous cities have similar offices. She says the new Office of Violence Prevention will partner with public safety offices, community violence intervention programs and neighborhood voices to advance violence protection.
28-year-old Larry Brownlee, a convicted felon, remains jailed without bond this morning. He’s charged with second degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. Brownlee is scheduled to appear again in court tomorrow via video.
Meantime, Columbia’s council is scheduled to vote tonight on a resolution to allocate $25.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The resolution states council intent to utilize the ARPA money and directs staff to negotiate agreements for council consideration. ARPA was signed by President Joe Biden.
The first $12-million of Columbia’s ARPA funding was designated for initiatives related to homelessness, community violence, mental health services and workforce development. The council has selected five priority areas for the second half of the funding, including affordable housing, homelessness and access to services.
The council is also set to vote tonight to rezone property on Keene court down the street from Women’s hospital. There is a proposal to develop a new, four-story hotel on Keene court.
Tonight’s meeting will begin at 7 at city hall.
